Tag: Humble

Love And Kindness

Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Do you have to always be kind to mean people? Are you to consistently show love to those who hate you? Does “turning the other cheek” offer any real benefits? Well, to those who are in Christ Jesus, these behaviors are the norm. In addition, claiming to be a child of God comes with an expected way of living. When worldly folk encounter compromising situations, it’s common for them to behave unseemly. On the contrary, when a child of God is met with a challenging circumstance, they are expected to be “Christ-like” in their approach. It’s never easy doing good to those who intentionally mean to do you harm, but when a man or woman has the right Spirit, they’ll be able to maintain godly character in any situation or circumstance.

“Be kind, you can’t rewind time”.

-Ell

Be… So That God Can Do…

Various Scriptures

Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.

Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23

Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24

Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4

Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11

In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.

The Least Of Them

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

“For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (vs. 9). The apostle Paul expressed sincere humility as he penned those words many years ago, but God was able to change his heart, then work through him mightily, to help those he once despised.

Although Paul considered himself unworthy to be called an apostle, God focused only on what he could contribute after his conversion, rather than on his past mistakes. Oftentimes, believers are unable to focus on working toward a bright future in doing God’s will, because the weight of their past seems to hold them down, but God is merciful, and when He forgives, He doesn’t count our mistakes against us. Instead, He equips us to move forward, and begin to offer positive contributions to His kingdom. Paul could have easily allowed his horrible past to keep him from giving God his all, but when he submitted himself to the Spirit, he was then filled with God’s strength, wisdom, and guidance, that were necessary to override all human emotions and keep him from wallowing in the errors of his past.

Only through the power of God, can anyone overcome their past, and set themselves in a position to be filled with all of God’s goodness. While it’s not a sin to humble yourself when thinking on those things you once did that were unpleasing to God, don’t allow yourself to wallow in them, but use those moments to motivate yourself, to strive towards holiness continually.

“God can still use you, no matter how many scars you have.” – Ell

For The Sake Of The Gospel

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10

For the sake of the Gospel, the apostle Paul endured many things from ungodly men, most of which were unfavorable and unsympathetic. While establishing churches in different cities, the apostle Paul, along with other apostles, were met with challenges purposed only to stop their progress. Of all the sufferings (beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and many more) Paul and his brethren faced, they allowed nothing to hinder them from establishing foundational Gospel teaching in various lands.

Paul knew the importance of spreading the Gospel, and made it his top priority to see it through. Paul admitted himself, that even through the suffering, he and his companions were bold in their God, to speak the Gospel to the church at Thessalonica, despite the great contention against them. When times get rough, average men usually turn tail and gallop away, but real men and women of God stand strong, even in the midst of major conflict.

Standing for the truth isn’t as simple as it sounds, but requires a certain character and behavior, in order to be bold as the apostles were. The apostle Paul was able to stand during times of suffering and intense persecution because, he modeled his life after the life of Christ. Jesus portrayed all characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit in all His encounters, thus allowing Him to always please the Father with his words and actions. In the same sense, Paul and the other apostles were consistent in being honest, pure, faithful to God’s purpose, humble and considerate with others, gentle and kind, and selfless in all their doings. Not only did Paul preach the Word, but he lived his life according to that same Word, on a consistent basis.

When we read the scriptures, we easily become fascinated with the lives of God’s great men and women, but we too can live great lives for the kingdom of God as well. If we love God, keep His commandments, study and meditate on His Word, then live every day rendering selfless acts to our fellow man, our names will someday be listed in the heavenly hall of fame, along with Paul and others also. 

Without Love

1 Corinthians 13

Can you imagine what this world would be like, if love was nonexistent? The state of this present world is far from ideal, but remove love from it, and this earth would instantly become unimaginably more dark and corrupt. Without love, nothing would make sense. Life would be lived for vain purposes, gifts would be used to no avail, and the feelings that come with pure acts of love, would never be enjoyed.

Without love, there’s no need to prophesy, preach, teach, admonish, rebuke, or speak with tongues. All is futile, when love is absent from the equation. Love is what makes our deeds and actions meaningful. When we do things in love, it becomes more than a simple act of giving, but an opportunity to spread the goodness of God to all. God is love, so what we do for others must be done with the intentions of pleasing Him, and not ourselves.

Our text vividly expresses the extent to which God’s love is portrayed. We learn from the scriptures, that love is patient, kind, humble, respectful, generous, courteous, compassionate, caring, solid, true, pure, understanding, selfless, giving, and durable. Love is the thread that combines every line of text in the Bible. It’s because of love, God sent His Son to the earth, to give man another chance to enjoy the benefits he willingly handed over to the enemy. Love keeps us strong, in times when we feel like giving up. Love motivates us to meet every challenge of life, head on. Love inspires us to commit our ways to the Lord, while ignoring all temptation that tries to distract us. Love gives us a reason for living, and helps us understand the real purpose of life. Love never fails, never gives up, and always makes us better. Live your life in love, knowing that the love you abide in, is very love of God Himself.

“Let your light shine so bright, until someone can see it in their valley moment.” – Ell