Thursday, November 2, 2023

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Would you have the will to forgive your enemies, even at their worst? Human nature tells you to repay evil with evil and hate with rage. God commands that you do the opposite, and there couldn’t be a more extreme example than the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are millions of unsaved people on this planet, and they don’t even know what they’re missing out on for eternity. Forgive them, and never stop sharing Christ’s love with those who need it, both with your words and by example. After all, at one point in time, you needed mercy as much as they did.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Titus 3:2
…Speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Loving others means showing them respect, both when you’re with them and when you’re not. Speaking badly about someone and then wrapping it up with “but I love them, they’re great,” isn’t constructive criticism, it’s gossip. There’s a fine line between addressing a problem with the help of others and “speaking evil” for the enjoyment of it. Jesus loved His enemies in life and in death; He wasn’t afraid to call out evil when He saw it, but He was also the perfect Son of God, and if anyone had a right to point out sin, it was Him.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Romans 2:1
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

Were you not born with a sin nature like everyone else? Have you never made a bad decision, or done something that offended people? If you’re going to judge someone else for what they’ve done, you’d better be ready to take a critical look at yourself. The truth is that none of us deserve to go to Heaven, or to have a relationship with God for that matter. If you do understand that He loves you, that’s more than most people can say… so instead of reminding your enemies of how broken they are, remind yourself that Christ died for broken things, and treat them how you would want to be treated.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Monday, October 30, 2023
Luke 6:27-28
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Jesus didn’t say “love your enemies, unless they’re hard to be around,” or “love your enemies, unless they don’t have the same opinions as you.” He never said “love your enemies, unless they’re different, because that would be inconvenient.” His straightforward command was to love your enemies even when they curse you, hurt you, and hate you. Even when showing courtesy and respect to them seems like a lost cause. The truth is, they’re sinners just like you, and if it weren’t for Christ loving HIS enemies, you wouldn’t have a place in the Kingdom.

Friday, October 27, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023
Titus 1:7
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.

You may be the closest thing to Christ that a stranger ever encounters. You never know what impact you will have on people, which is why every follower of Jesus, and especially those who teach, should be more like Him. A servant of God should be honorable and wise, but never in their own sight. They should be humble about themselves, and patient towards others, remembering that we all fall short of the glory of God. Whether a Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, or a pastor, it’s the job of teachers and ministers to love God with all their heart, and to love their neighbor as themselves.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Someone who takes on the role of teaching, leading, or influencing others when it comes to the Christian walk should be wise and careful. It’s not a job for just anyone. God’s word is serious, and even though it’s every believer’s job to share the gospel with the unsaved, not everyone should be preaching from the pulpit. It’s true that the Lord chooses flawed and sinful people to do mighty things… just look at Jesus’ disciples, or even Paul for that matter. But remember that before they became teachers, each one of them was radically changed from the inside out by God, leaving behind the sin they once clung to. What are you clinging to today?