Friday, February 10, 2023

Friday, February 10, 2023
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

In this part of his letter, the apostle Peter calls on believers to live with harmony and cooperation. Having “unity of mind” means that we are aligned in our beliefs and values, and that we are working towards the same goal. “Brotherly love” is love that cares, supports and bolsters, holding strong during a storm and standing the test of time. A “tender heart” is one that is sensitive to the needs of others, and that is willing to help and serve. Finally, a “humble mind” involves recognizing your own limitations and weaknesses, relying on God for strength and guidance. This is how Jesus wants His followers to live with each other, not just to care for the body of Christ, but to be a shining example to the rest of the world of the goodness of God.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Thursday, February 9, 2023
Romans 15:14
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

There is tremendous importance in Christian community, and the role that each of us plays in building up one another in faith. The apostle Paul expressed his satisfaction with the Christians in Rome, noting that they are full of goodness for one another, supporting the church and each other in dark times. In this world, it’s not just the lost who need Christ’s light, but other believers too. Life gets tough. To stay joyful and strong, Christians need other Christians. Your Father is a Father to countless brothers and sisters, and He wants His children to be good to one another. Forgive your enemies, love those who hate you, but don’t forget to share the same goodness and encouragement with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Word of God often highlights the importance of responding to evil with love and kindness, rather than with bitterness and anger. By doing so you demonstrate, in a powerful way, the love and grace of Jesus; the same love and grace you’ve been shown. Forgive your enemies, pray for those who hate you, and do good for everyone, regardless of what they’ve done. It’s exactly what Christ did for His entire life on earth, and with a little help from Him, you can do all things through the One who gives you strength.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

God often uses the people you’d least expect to accomplish mighty things, because those people reflect the glory right back to Him. When you show goodness to others, even the little things like a kind word or an act of courtesy can be magnified by God. Christ lives in your heart, and a light like that can’t be contained. It’ll shine through everything you do, whether or not you realize it. Pray that God would work through you every day, and that He would give you conscious opportunities to show goodness to the lost world around you. A simple act of kindness may not change a stranger’s life, but it could plant a seed that God grows into something beautiful.

Monday, February 6, 2023

Monday, February 6, 2023
Ephesians 5:8
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

If you’re a Christian, you’ve been reborn as one of God’s children. You’re an alien to this world, destined to spend forever in paradise with the Father. So, act like it! At one time you were lost in your sin, but now through Christ, you’re a child of light. You’ve been shown immeasurable goodness by God, and now He’s called you to show that goodness to others. Be good to the people around you, both friends and enemies, as Jesus was, showing the world what a life transformed by Christ looks like.

Friday, February 3, 2023

Friday, February 3, 2023
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

As we go through life, there will be good days and bad days. There are sure to be amazing times ahead of you, as well as really hard ones. Though you might not be able to see what’s coming, God can, and He is both with you and for you. Even when the going gets tough, you can find joy knowing that God is molding you, shaping you, and forging you into something greater. Every day Jesus is making us more like Him, so that one day we can be with Him forever in glory. The evil in this world can hold no power over us when we look at it from His perspective!