Scripture (KJV) – Luke 6:27-28 “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Reflection It is easy to love people who love us. It is much harder to love someone who has hurt us, spoken against us, betrayed our trust, or treated us unfairly. Yet Jesus calls His followers to a standard of love that goes far beyond what comes naturally. Jesus does not tell us merely to tolerate our enemies. He tells us to love them, do...

Scripture (KJV) – Matthew 12:36-37 “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Reflection Words can seem small, but Jesus teaches us that they carry tremendous weight. Once something leaves our mouth, we cannot take it back. Words can encourage someone who is hurting, strengthen someone who is weak, and point a lost person toward Christ. But words can also wound, destroy reputations, spread gossip, and leave scars that...

Scripture (KJV) – 1 Thessalonians 5:19 “Quench not the Spirit.” Reflection This is one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but its message carries tremendous weight. The Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer to guide, teach, correct, comfort, and convict. Yet Scripture warns us that it is possible to resist His work in our lives. To “quench” means to suppress or put out, like extinguishing a fire. When the Holy Spirit convicts us about something and we continually ignore Him, we begin resisting the very One who is trying to draw us into closer fellowship with...

Scripture (KJV) – 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Reflection Some people look at the condition of the world and wonder why God has not already brought judgment. Sin is celebrated, truth is rejected, and wickedness seems to increase with each passing generation. Yet Peter reminds us that God’s delay is not weakness, nor has He forgotten His promises. It is mercy. God is longsuffering because He desires people to repent. Every...