“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all…” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 It is easy for us to criticize others. We all seem to be very quick to find fault in everybody else but ourselves. Seldom do we take the time to understand the underlying causes of their perceived weaknesses. If we knew more about their life we might be more compassionate and if we were honest it might lead us to admit that we are no better. It is hard for us to help others until we first humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. No one can argue with the fact that we all fall far short of His glory. Every one of us suffers from problems of the heart like anger, jealousy, pride and malice. Our tongue constantly slips. Time and time again we make mistakes with our life. There is not a one of us who doesn’t need forgiveness, mercy, patience and love. It is good for us to remember how we have been treated by God so that we will know how to treat others. God loved us when we were unlovable. He gave His Son for us while we were still sinners. He continues to help us though we often fail to be grateful. He never gives up on us even when we have given up on Him. There are a lot of angry, hurting, lost people who just need someone like you and me to love them just like we have been loved by God. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” 1 Peter 4:8
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2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Is it your desire to live godly in Christ Jesus?Do you suffer persecution? How you answer the first question will determine your answer to the second. If we are faithful Christians we will have persecution. More and more we are hearing about Christians being persecuted, tortured and killed around the world. We have all experienced the ridicule, mockery, snubs; been called names, been treated unkindly or differently than others because we are Christians. Just as the world hated Christ, so it hates His followers. Jesus was not put on a cross because of anything He had done wrong. None of us should be surprised when we are persecuted. |
AuthorRobert Dodson is the Preaching Minister for the Northwest Church of Christ. Archives
January 2023
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