Psalm 84:11 (ERV)
The Lord God is our protector and glorious king.
He blesses us with kindness and honor.
The Lord freely gives every good thing
to those who do what is right.
It is common to feel alone in the world, even when surrounded by good friends. Society often teaches us that, ultimately, we must rely on ourselves, celebrating independence and self-sufficiency as ideals. This mindset can lead us away from God and from one another, fostering a sense of separation. As a result, we may begin to view life as a competition, believing that our neighbor is our rival in a world of limited resources.
Psalm 84 reminds us that God is always with us and on our side. Like a loving parent, God desires to bless our lives and fulfill His dreams for us. Every “good thing” is a gift from God, given freely and not something we have to earn. Even more significant is the truth that these blessings are infinite. Unlike the world’s teaching that we must compete with others for what we need, God’s love knows no limits. When we choose to live as He calls us, there is no end to the goodness that He promises.
The Lord God is our protector and glorious king.
He blesses us with kindness and honor.
The Lord freely gives every good thing
to those who do what is right.
It is common to feel alone in the world, even when surrounded by good friends. Society often teaches us that, ultimately, we must rely on ourselves, celebrating independence and self-sufficiency as ideals. This mindset can lead us away from God and from one another, fostering a sense of separation. As a result, we may begin to view life as a competition, believing that our neighbor is our rival in a world of limited resources.
Psalm 84 reminds us that God is always with us and on our side. Like a loving parent, God desires to bless our lives and fulfill His dreams for us. Every “good thing” is a gift from God, given freely and not something we have to earn. Even more significant is the truth that these blessings are infinite. Unlike the world’s teaching that we must compete with others for what we need, God’s love knows no limits. When we choose to live as He calls us, there is no end to the goodness that He promises.
Colossians 3:12 – 14 (ERV)
12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity.
There is a clear pattern in these reflections, which arises from the unwavering consistency found in the teachings of Jesus and their reinforcement by Paul. The central concept is that, when we choose to follow Jesus and step into the lives we are called to live, a fundamental transformation is required. Through Jesus, we come to understand the profound depths of God’s love for each of us, as well as the true grace offered through forgiveness. With this knowledge, it becomes our responsibility to seek out the peace that scripture promises throughout the journey of faith.
Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are qualities that allow us to truly forgive those who have wronged us—not merely with words, but from the depths of our hearts. By following the example of God’s grace, we learn to forgive as we are called to do. This process does not mean forgetting the wrongs committed, but rather letting go of the pain caused by conflict and choosing to move forward. In releasing both hurt and anger, we are freed to continue on our path. Forgiveness is not about excusing the misdeeds of others; instead, it is about removing the power those actions have to disrupt our peace and joy. Ultimately, it is only through love that we learn to forgive, and through forgiveness, we find the perfect unity promised in scripture.
12 God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity.
There is a clear pattern in these reflections, which arises from the unwavering consistency found in the teachings of Jesus and their reinforcement by Paul. The central concept is that, when we choose to follow Jesus and step into the lives we are called to live, a fundamental transformation is required. Through Jesus, we come to understand the profound depths of God’s love for each of us, as well as the true grace offered through forgiveness. With this knowledge, it becomes our responsibility to seek out the peace that scripture promises throughout the journey of faith.
Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are qualities that allow us to truly forgive those who have wronged us—not merely with words, but from the depths of our hearts. By following the example of God’s grace, we learn to forgive as we are called to do. This process does not mean forgetting the wrongs committed, but rather letting go of the pain caused by conflict and choosing to move forward. In releasing both hurt and anger, we are freed to continue on our path. Forgiveness is not about excusing the misdeeds of others; instead, it is about removing the power those actions have to disrupt our peace and joy. Ultimately, it is only through love that we learn to forgive, and through forgiveness, we find the perfect unity promised in scripture.
Leviticus 19:18 (ERV)
Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
We are reminded of the moment when an expert in the law tried to test Jesus by asking Him which commandment was the greatest. Jesus responded, in essence, with the instruction to love God and to love your neighbor. It is important to remember that this teaching was not a new concept introduced by Jesus; rather, it was rooted in the original instructions given to the Jewish people. As highlighted in today’s scripture, this command was first established in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy. In quoting these scriptures, Jesus was affirming the enduring truth found in the Jewish law.
This commandment is not merely a rule for behavior but reflects the very essence of how God calls us to live. It is, in fact, the foundation of our created purpose. When we choose to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and serve others, we are embracing the life that God designed for us. Through these actions, we open ourselves to the peace and joy promised in scripture, experiencing true communion with all that God has made.
Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
We are reminded of the moment when an expert in the law tried to test Jesus by asking Him which commandment was the greatest. Jesus responded, in essence, with the instruction to love God and to love your neighbor. It is important to remember that this teaching was not a new concept introduced by Jesus; rather, it was rooted in the original instructions given to the Jewish people. As highlighted in today’s scripture, this command was first established in the book of Leviticus and reiterated in Deuteronomy. In quoting these scriptures, Jesus was affirming the enduring truth found in the Jewish law.
This commandment is not merely a rule for behavior but reflects the very essence of how God calls us to live. It is, in fact, the foundation of our created purpose. When we choose to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and serve others, we are embracing the life that God designed for us. Through these actions, we open ourselves to the peace and joy promised in scripture, experiencing true communion with all that God has made.
𝟏 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟒:𝟕
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐝.
We need to get back to community. This is what God created us for. However, over time, we have gradually narrowed our lives, confining ourselves to smaller circles. We often mistake internet acquaintances and social media followers for genuine friends. Yet, humans were created by God to be in communion—not only with God, but also with one another. When fear leads us to distance ourselves from both God and our neighbors, the evil in this world gains ground.
Only through love of God and neighbor can we break this cycle of isolation and disconnection. When we truly love someone, we discover our own true selves—the person God intended us to be. In loving others, we move away from fear and anger and instead embrace hope and curiosity. Rather than judging others for their shortcomings, we become humbled and empathetic, recognizing our own need for grace.
True love is about giving, just as God gives to us. It is not about what we can gain, but about what we can offer as servants to others. Our goal, then, should be to love others as God has loved us—selflessly, generously, and with a heart open to community.
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐝.
We need to get back to community. This is what God created us for. However, over time, we have gradually narrowed our lives, confining ourselves to smaller circles. We often mistake internet acquaintances and social media followers for genuine friends. Yet, humans were created by God to be in communion—not only with God, but also with one another. When fear leads us to distance ourselves from both God and our neighbors, the evil in this world gains ground.
Only through love of God and neighbor can we break this cycle of isolation and disconnection. When we truly love someone, we discover our own true selves—the person God intended us to be. In loving others, we move away from fear and anger and instead embrace hope and curiosity. Rather than judging others for their shortcomings, we become humbled and empathetic, recognizing our own need for grace.
True love is about giving, just as God gives to us. It is not about what we can gain, but about what we can offer as servants to others. Our goal, then, should be to love others as God has loved us—selflessly, generously, and with a heart open to community.
1 Peter 3:8 – 9
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
We live in a world that thrives on conflict. We not only follow the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye," but also believe in responding with greater force than received. We think that fear is the best way to keep people from mistreating us. Because of this way of thinking, there can only be escalating conflict in which there can be no end.
How does this compare to this scripture and the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Are we not called to turn the other cheek, to love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you. How is this possible? That is where the first verse comes in. It starts with loving one another and the acknowledgement that we are all in need of God’s grace. Being humble and removing the log from our own eye before we try to remove the speck from our neighbors. Choosing to end conflict instead of fueling it. This is the way that we shine the light of God’s love into this dark world.
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
We live in a world that thrives on conflict. We not only follow the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye," but also believe in responding with greater force than received. We think that fear is the best way to keep people from mistreating us. Because of this way of thinking, there can only be escalating conflict in which there can be no end.
How does this compare to this scripture and the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Are we not called to turn the other cheek, to love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you. How is this possible? That is where the first verse comes in. It starts with loving one another and the acknowledgement that we are all in need of God’s grace. Being humble and removing the log from our own eye before we try to remove the speck from our neighbors. Choosing to end conflict instead of fueling it. This is the way that we shine the light of God’s love into this dark world.
James 1:2 – 4 (The Message)
2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
I know there are times that we think, "Please God, enough." Where we do not think that we can take any more. But it is in these times that we are given the opportunity to learn to let God and His Spirit take the lead. This is so contrary to what the world would have you believe.
We have all heard the saying that God only gives you what you can handle. I used to add to this by saying that God’s opinion is higher of me than my own. But it is in these times of extreme struggle that we can learn the most important lesson from God. Put your faith in God and God’s love. When kneading dough for bread it must be worked repeatedly until it’s ready for the next step where the yeast grows the bread from within. From there that bread is baked as the finishing touch. If any of these steps is cut short the finished product, while still being bread, is not what was planned. The same is true for our faith and its development. Trust in God and God’s plan. God’s timing is perfect. In those times of tests and challenges trust in the Lord’s plan for your growth and development.
2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
I know there are times that we think, "Please God, enough." Where we do not think that we can take any more. But it is in these times that we are given the opportunity to learn to let God and His Spirit take the lead. This is so contrary to what the world would have you believe.
We have all heard the saying that God only gives you what you can handle. I used to add to this by saying that God’s opinion is higher of me than my own. But it is in these times of extreme struggle that we can learn the most important lesson from God. Put your faith in God and God’s love. When kneading dough for bread it must be worked repeatedly until it’s ready for the next step where the yeast grows the bread from within. From there that bread is baked as the finishing touch. If any of these steps is cut short the finished product, while still being bread, is not what was planned. The same is true for our faith and its development. Trust in God and God’s plan. God’s timing is perfect. In those times of tests and challenges trust in the Lord’s plan for your growth and development.
Philippians 2:3 – 4 ESV
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
We live in a world that celebrates personal achievement and self-reliance above all else. That it is a sign of weakness to need or even ask for assistance in any manner. And in so doing we allow both our selfish ambition and pride to guide us into a false sense of what constitutes a successful life.
However, if we are to live as Christians this is contrary to the teachings on which our faith is founded. First, all that we have in this world is but a gift by the grace of God. We have done nothing to earn it. With this realization we then become humble seeing that we are not better than others, but we are all equal in the eyes of God. And through humility we learn to be servants to others just as Christ himself was a servant to us all.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
We live in a world that celebrates personal achievement and self-reliance above all else. That it is a sign of weakness to need or even ask for assistance in any manner. And in so doing we allow both our selfish ambition and pride to guide us into a false sense of what constitutes a successful life.
However, if we are to live as Christians this is contrary to the teachings on which our faith is founded. First, all that we have in this world is but a gift by the grace of God. We have done nothing to earn it. With this realization we then become humble seeing that we are not better than others, but we are all equal in the eyes of God. And through humility we learn to be servants to others just as Christ himself was a servant to us all.
Proverbs 11:2 ESV
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
We must be careful in our assurance in salvation not to think too highly of ourselves. We must remember that all salvation is by the grace of God. We live in a time when we are taught from birth that we must earn our way in this world. That it is your work ethic and drive that determines each person’s success. And some project this to their own salvation. But as this scripture reminds us, that pride in oneself is not a good thing. In proverbs alone there are more than a dozen references about pride and humility. And when we expanded that scripture there were 80 references to humility and over 200 involving arrogance.
We must remember that we are no better than any other person. That we are all sinners and not worthy of God’s grace. If we do not take this stance then how many others will we discourage from coming to know Jesus because they see themselves as unworthy. We need to follow that which Jesus wrote is Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged; condemn not, and you shall not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven”. Jesus came to save us all and we must have humility in our own salvation and empathy in our interaction with others. Remembering that none of us are worthy of God’s grace and forgiveness yet God gives to all that ask.
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
We must be careful in our assurance in salvation not to think too highly of ourselves. We must remember that all salvation is by the grace of God. We live in a time when we are taught from birth that we must earn our way in this world. That it is your work ethic and drive that determines each person’s success. And some project this to their own salvation. But as this scripture reminds us, that pride in oneself is not a good thing. In proverbs alone there are more than a dozen references about pride and humility. And when we expanded that scripture there were 80 references to humility and over 200 involving arrogance.
We must remember that we are no better than any other person. That we are all sinners and not worthy of God’s grace. If we do not take this stance then how many others will we discourage from coming to know Jesus because they see themselves as unworthy. We need to follow that which Jesus wrote is Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged; condemn not, and you shall not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven”. Jesus came to save us all and we must have humility in our own salvation and empathy in our interaction with others. Remembering that none of us are worthy of God’s grace and forgiveness yet God gives to all that ask.
Genesis 1:1 – 2
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
I have only included the first two verses of the creation story because it is too long to share here. But if you have the time, read all of Genesis Chapter 1.
The reason that I chose this for today is that we need to understand something. That creation by God did not end on the sixth day. My very first class for Course of Study the teacher talked about a creator God. I remember listening to him but not fully comprehending what he was saying. The reason for that is the same for most of us. We need to come to the realization that God continues to create every day. There is no limit to God’s creation because there is no limit to God. We as humans cannot understand this because we are finite beings.
Most of our earthly problems stem from the idea that there is a finite amount of everything, including the love and gifts of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. And because of this belief in limited supply we then are drawn to compete for that limited love and gifts. We then work to acquire more of these gifts and hoard them so when they do run out. Guaranteeing we then will still have ours when the supply runs out. But if we transition to a belief that God, being infinite, continues to create then we move past the need to accumulate and into the space of sharing. We then can give as God would want us too. Because there is no fear that we will run out. Only when we place our faith in an infinite God and God’s promise of love and grace can we see and live into what Jesus calls the Kingdom of Heaven. That peace comes not from the finite we can earn but to the infinite God can give. And with this, we know that God’s well will never run dry.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
I have only included the first two verses of the creation story because it is too long to share here. But if you have the time, read all of Genesis Chapter 1.
The reason that I chose this for today is that we need to understand something. That creation by God did not end on the sixth day. My very first class for Course of Study the teacher talked about a creator God. I remember listening to him but not fully comprehending what he was saying. The reason for that is the same for most of us. We need to come to the realization that God continues to create every day. There is no limit to God’s creation because there is no limit to God. We as humans cannot understand this because we are finite beings.
Most of our earthly problems stem from the idea that there is a finite amount of everything, including the love and gifts of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. And because of this belief in limited supply we then are drawn to compete for that limited love and gifts. We then work to acquire more of these gifts and hoard them so when they do run out. Guaranteeing we then will still have ours when the supply runs out. But if we transition to a belief that God, being infinite, continues to create then we move past the need to accumulate and into the space of sharing. We then can give as God would want us too. Because there is no fear that we will run out. Only when we place our faith in an infinite God and God’s promise of love and grace can we see and live into what Jesus calls the Kingdom of Heaven. That peace comes not from the finite we can earn but to the infinite God can give. And with this, we know that God’s well will never run dry.
1 John 4:19 – 20
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Love, Love, Love, the very thing that is commanded by God for all to do. To love God and to love our brothers and sisters. That word love is used 46 times in 1 John 4 alone and as many times as 645 times (New Living Translation) in the New Testament. But just like anything else it is not enough to say the words if they are not put into deeds. There are many today that claim to love God yet express hate for others. When this is done we are not living as God has commanded.
We find ourselves struggling to love our brothers and sisters. We need to remind ourselves of the term “imago Dei” Image of God. This is how we were all created and how God sees us all. We then must work towards seeing all in the image by which they were created, not the image the world projects them to be. In doing this we can then work towards our own sanctification while modeling God’s love for those that might need to see it most.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Love, Love, Love, the very thing that is commanded by God for all to do. To love God and to love our brothers and sisters. That word love is used 46 times in 1 John 4 alone and as many times as 645 times (New Living Translation) in the New Testament. But just like anything else it is not enough to say the words if they are not put into deeds. There are many today that claim to love God yet express hate for others. When this is done we are not living as God has commanded.
We find ourselves struggling to love our brothers and sisters. We need to remind ourselves of the term “imago Dei” Image of God. This is how we were all created and how God sees us all. We then must work towards seeing all in the image by which they were created, not the image the world projects them to be. In doing this we can then work towards our own sanctification while modeling God’s love for those that might need to see it most.
