Monday, January 24, 2022

Monday, January 24, 2022
James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that followers of Christ will have it easy. When life gets hard, our faith is put to the test, and when this happens, James encourages us to rejoice. Perseverance through hardships allows us to grow, and gives God an opportunity to show His goodness and grace in our lives.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Friday, January 21, 2022
Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

If we aren’t putting ourselves on a pedestal, we can recognize our own faults and mistakes. In turn, we can empathize with the shortcomings of others. We’ve all done things wrong, some more than others, but God offers unconditional forgiveness to everyone, and encourages us to do the same.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Thursday, January 20, 2022
James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Humans are far from infallible; so far that we needed the Son of God to save us from our imperfections. We all fall short in one way or another, but prayer is powerful, and can help us to heal from life’s wounds. James encourages us to confess our sins to each other and pray, humbling ourselves not just before God, but before fellow believers as well.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Romans 15:1

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

God has blessed each of us with strengths, talents and resources, all of which we can use to bring Him glory. We are obligated to use our advantages to help others, without wasting our gifts on personal gain. It’s easy to be proud of your strengths, but we must remember the God who gave us our abilities, and make sure we are using them to build others up and further Christ’s work

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Jesus described loving others as the second greatest commandment, and this was reflected through His entire life, including His sacrifice for us. Valuing others above yourself is a quality that Christ embodied as He was nailed to a cross for the sins of the world. Can you imagine if, during His time on earth, He had acted out of selfish ambition? As examples of Christ, we are called to humility, putting the needs of others above our own.

Monday, January 17, 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022
Matthew 23:12

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Oftentimes it’s easy to think highly of ourselves, taking pride in the successes and talents that God has blessed us with. But as humans we are inherently flawed, and no matter what kind of pedestal we put ourselves on, none of us are perfect. God’s word tells us that those who exalt themselves will inevitably be brought low, but those who remain humble will be honored by Him.