Mask-wearers ... (Psalm 28:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 28:3

We hear a lot about hypocrites, both inside and outside of the church. You know ... those people who say one thing and do something else. Or they wear a godly mask while underneath, they're harboring resentment or hatred for another.

It's hard dealing with those "who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts." We can't read minds, so we can't always know another's motive. We can only love even our enemies.

When we come across those two-faced folks, we can still love them. We can show them patience and mercy. We can offer grace even when they hurt us. We can be hospitable. We can be Jesus to them.

Yes, it's not easy to interact with those who have evil intentions, but we can trust our Maker and know that, one day, He will judge all men for their actions on earth.

One day, those who have hurt us will stand before God's throne and give an account of what we did for Him—and against others. God will judge fairly and righteously. In the meantime, let's do our best to not be like those two-faced people. Instead, let's do our best to be peacemakers.

Listen More. Talk Less. (James 1:19-20)

Today’s scripture: James 1:19-20

Oh, if we could only live by these words. If we would listen more and speak less. If we would take time to think before reacting … what a difference it would make.

I used to facilitate Seven Habits for Highly Effective people, and this verse reminds me of two of the habits.

The first is Be Proactive. It’s the habit of choosing how you respond. You may have been told as a kid to count to ten before reacting? That’s that this is about. Being “slow to anger.” Instead of having a knee-jerk reaction, you stop and think. Then you respond based on what you value. In other words, if you value your relationship with your child, then instead of yelling at him when he accidentally spills grape juice on your new white linen tablecloth, you take a deep breath and respond with gentleness.

The fifth habit is Seek First to Understand. In this habit, you listen, really listen, to what the other is saying. You don’t judge. You don’t think about what you’re going to say. You don’t interrupt. You just listen. The other person is your focus. Not you.

Try this today: When your spouse or your friend or your child wants to talk to you, put everything else aside. Look them in the eye. And listen.

And if someone does something that upsets you? Count to ten. And respond in love.

Hard Truth ... (1 Peter 4:1-6)

Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

A few days ago, I wrote that we should expect persecution because of our faith. Today’s verses return to that thought. If we are “armed” with the purpose of sharing the truth of the gospel, we’ll be in God’s will.

These verses also give us an assurance that those who persecute us on earth will face judgment. God is well aware of what we face, what we endure as His children. And I believe His heart breaks as He sees our pain and suffering, whatever the cause.

Now, I do want to caution us all: We shouldn’t hope for that judgment. What I mean is, we should continually pray for our “enemies,” for those who hurt us. We should pray they’ll find salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for all—even for those who hurt us.

Our hope should be that everyone comes to know Jesus. We can, however, be confident that God is in loving control. He will judge or reward according to the choices we make. And really, when it comes down to it, our focus should always be on what we’re doing for God’s Kingdom—not on what others may be doing to us.

To Sum It Up ... (1 Peter 3:8-12)

Today’s scriptures: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Like a great attorney summing up his case, Peter recaps much of his previous exhortations. And what a recap it is. And far from easy. Read through the list of things we’re commanded to do. And then read it again.

We’re to be “harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.” Now sometimes, this is very easy. I can live in harmony with the nice guys, with my good friends. But this verse doesn’t say “only with those you like.” In fact, Peter makes it pretty clear. We’re not to be “returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead …”

Not easy at all. It’s really hard to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29). That’s what we’re commanded to do, however. Why? Well, first, because we’re commanded … But God, our good Father, loves to bless His children. And He’ll bless us for “keeping our tongue from evil,” which includes saying nasty things about others. He’ll bless us for seeking and pursuing peace.

Peace. All of us, at all times, with all people. 

How "Excellent" Are You? (1 Peter 2:11-12)

Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Here’s something you should already know: The body of Christ should be an example to the world. We should be so generous to help the “least of these” that the world takes notice (Matt. 25:31-46). We should live honestly and morally. We should show love to all people, neighbors and enemies alike (Mark 12:31; Matt. 5:44).

Even if someone is sure about the whole Christianity thing, they should be impressed or inspired or intrigued by our actions.

They shouldn’t, as they often do, think that we’re hypocrites. That we say one thing (like loving neighbors and enemies) and do the opposite (like hating a particular group because of their race). Or condemning a particular group because of their lifestyle.

We really need to be looking at the logs in our own eyes instead of the specks in the eyes of others (Matt. 7:4-5). We really do need to look out for the needs of others. I’ve heard it said that if just those who call themselves Christ-followers gave just the ten percent that’s mentioned in the Bible, we could wipe out world hunger and many diseases. And if we gave generously from our abundant blessings, we could wipe out poverty.

Instead, we hoard what we have. We buy McMansions and the latest automobile. We upgrade our electronics even though what we already have works well. We throw tons of food away. And watch the stock market more closely than we do our own spouses.

I’m as guilty as the next guy … And I’m feeling particularly convicted.

What do I do—what do you do—that looks “excellent” to unbelievers? What do I do—what do you do—that makes unbelievers wonder: What is different about her—in a very good way?

What To Do While Waiting for Eternity (1 Peter 1:22-25)

Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

I love how Peter describes our eternal salvation. We are born again imperishably “through the living and enduring word of God.” The apostle John described our Savior Jesus Christ as the living Word, and we are saved through His death and resurrection.

Because of that gift, we can be assured of eternity with God.

But these verses command us to do something while we remain on earth. We are to have a “sincere love of the brethren.” We are to “fervently love one another from the heart.”

I don’t know about you, but this pierces my heart a bit. I rejoice in the thought of being imperishably born again. I long for the day when I’ll discard this weak, fleshly body—especially on days like today when several of my chronic health issues are flaring—and spend eternity praising and worshiping my Lord.

But do I sincerely and fervently love my brothers and sisters? Do I, as the apostle Paul wrote, think more highly of them than I do of myself? (Phil. 2:3, my paraphrase).

I know I want to. I pray I do.

If Only ... (2 Thessalonians 3:4-5)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

We who follow Christ are commanded to do two things, and those two things should guide everything we do, think, and say.

Jesus Himself told us what are those commandments: Love our God—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). “There is no other commandment greater than these,” He said.

If we love God with everything we are, we’ll want to serve Him. We’ll spend time in His word, learning more about Him and His heart. We’ll talk with Him and listen to His voice. We’ll strive to seek and follow His will. We’ll want nothing more than to please Him in all we do.

Our desires will be His desires. Our heart will be His heart.

And if we love others as we love ourselves, we’ll want the best for those around us. We’ll treat them with respect. We’ll be kind, patient, and gentle. We’ll serve them with humility. We won’t lash out in anger or do anything hurtful.

If only Christ-followers would truly follow these greatest commandments. If only we surrendered ourselves daily to God’s will. If only we put others ahead of ourselves.

If only … 

If Only ... (1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15

If only … if only we all lived at peace with one another. If we encouraged each other. If we helped those weaker than we are.

If only …

If only we were patient with everyone. If we all sought after the good for everyone.

If only …

Think of what this world would be like.

But because of sin, our world is full of hate. War. Greed. Anger. Immorality. Selfishness. And it’s not going to get better until Christ’s return.

Then and only then will we experience peace—true peace. Until then, we who follow Christ need to strive to be peaceful and encouraging. We need to serve those less fortunate than we are. We need to be patient.

And maybe we’ll influence those around us … so our little corner of the world will be as heaven-on-earth as possible.

Know God? Love Others ... (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10a)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10a

Our Lord God is described by many adjectives and names throughout the Bible, and I love that.

I love that He sees me wherever I am because He’s El Roi—the God who sees (Genesis 16:13). Or when I have a need, I know He’s Jehovah Jireh—the God who provides (Genesis 22:14). Or when I hurt, I know He will give me strength as I seek His refuge (Psalm 46:1). Or when I’m feeling anxious I can go to Jehovah Shalom—the Lord is peace (Judges 6:24). Or if everything around me seems dark, I remember God is light (1 John 1:5).

But most of all, I love that God is love—pure love (1 John 4:16). He loves me more that I could ever imagine. He loves me in spite of my sin and rebellion. He loves me so much that He was willing to send His Son—a literal part of Himself—to die for my sins, to provide a way for my salvation (John 3:16).

And because He loves me that much, how can I do anything less than love others—all others. In fact, the Bible makes it very, very clear: “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). If I don’t love my brothers and sisters, I don’t know God. Convicting words, aren’t they?

So because I do know God, I must love others. No room for jealousy or hate. No room for envy or covetousness. No room for arrogance or pride.

Just love. Pure love. God’s love.

I think I have some work to do … What about you?

Love Each Other! (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Encourage each other. Comfort each other. Rejoice in each other.

Love each other.

I’ve written about this before: Our creator God is love, and He created us to love. We are created to love Him and each other.

The English language only has one word for love. And we use it in many ways. I love my husband. I love to read. I love ice cream. I love my family. I love dogs. I love musical theater.

I love God.

The Greek language has several words for love. Eros is intimate love in marriage. Storge is familial love. Agape is unconditional love—the love God has for us.

And Philia is love between friends. This is the love we often find when we meet our brothers and sisters in Christ. So often, we meet someone who shares our faith, and there’s an immediate connection.

Just a few months ago, I joined a new small group. From the start, I felt connected, among sisters. As we continue to share prayer requests and what God is doing in our hearts, we’re learning to love each other more and more.

Even more recently, I had lunch with a new friend, and we shared some of our stories. Our love for the Lord was clear, and we are beginning what may be a wonderful sister-ship.

As we sisters in Christ continue to grow in relationship, we’re learning to do as Jesus commanded: Loving each other as we do ourselves.

A Tall Order ... (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). He went on to say. “… love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

As followers of Christ, we are to love one another. We are to be kind and gentle. We should show compassion. Throughout the gospels, we see how Jesus cared for others.

He showed compassion to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11) and to the woman with a flow of blood (Matthew 9:22). He was gentle when he met the Samaritan woman in her shame (John 4:1-26).  He grieved with Martha and Mary (John 11:35).

And Jesus’ heart broke when He saw the rebellion of His people: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34).

So as Jesus showed compassion and gentleness, we should do the same. We should treat our brothers and sisters with affection and kindness, loving them as we love ourselves. Even more, loving them as Jesus loves us.

Pride ... Oh, So Ugly ... (Philippians 2:3-4)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 2:3-4

Pride. It’s something many of us struggle with, and it’s something that God abhors (see Prov. 8:13; 16:18; Mark 7:22). We look at “our” gifts and talents, or what “we’ve” achieved, and we think, “Good for me!” Even more, we sometimes look at what others do, and think, “I could do that better.”

We forget—often—that anything we have and anything we can do comes from God. So to be prideful about what we do is ironic. Instead, we’re called to be humble, to do all things with “lowliness of mind.” Not selfish. Not conceited. Rather, we should honor others.

Now this doesn’t mean we’re supposed to be doormats and let people walk all over us. We can look out for our “own interests.” We can—and should—do our best in all things. We should “do all in the name of the Lord” (Col. 3:17). But we also need to make certain we’re supporting our brothers and sisters.

Imagine your life if you could sincerely “esteem others better.” If you could genuinely celebrate the gifts and talents God has given everyone. If you trusted God to use each of us according to His will. If you truly believed none of us is better than another.

Imagine.

A Daily To-Do List (Philippians 1:9-11)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians continues with some words of instruction, words that we, too, can take to heart. He calls his readers to love abundantly, learn continually, seek wisdom, choose the excellent things of God’s word, and live righteously.

My goodness. Quite a list, isn’t it? Makes me feel really inadequate.

Loving abundantly … This should be relatively “easy” for followers of Christ. After all, the second greatest commandment is that we’re to love others as ourselves.

Learning continually … I’ve written about this many, many times. We must study and meditate on God’s word. It’s the only way to gain knowledge.

Seeking wisdom … Obtaining God’s wisdom also comes from spending time in His word.

Choosing the excellent things … And what are the excellent things? We’ll delve more deeply into this idea when we get to the fourth chapter, but they’re those things that edify us and help us to be more like Christ.

Living righteously … In order to do this, we need to strive to live as Christ would. We need to follow God’s commandments, focusing on His will.

Paul’s not asking for much, is he? (You can’t hear my mild sarcasm …) The good news? We’re those works in progress we talked about yesterday. We need to ask for God’s help every day to become what He’s called us to be.

With His help, we can follow Paul’s instructions. And maybe one day, we’ll actually live them.

A Different World (Ephesians 4:32)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:32

Think of how different our world would be if we were all kind to one another. If we forgave each other as we have been forgiven.

No anger or bitterness. No grudges or desire for revenge.

No jealousy or coveting.

No putting others down.

Just a world full of people showing love. Looking out for each other. Treating each other with respect. Providing for those less fortunate.

All of us would “regard one another as more important than [ourselves]” (Philippians 2:3). We’d love our neighbors more than we love ourselves (Mark 12:30). We’d even be willing to lay down our lives for others (John 15:13).

Oh, what a world it would be.

Maybe we can’t change the entire world, but what about our own small circles of influence. What if each of us chose to be kind to those around us? If we were tender-hearted? If we forgave those closest to us?

It would be pretty amazing. So let’s try it. Let’s determine to accept Paul’s challenge and change—if not the whole world—our own “worlds.”

A Worthy Walk (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

We are unworthy of any grace or mercy, yet God sees us as worthy. We are sinful by nature, yet when we accept the gift of salvation, our sins are washed away.

So how do we—in even the smallest way—honor God and show Him gratitude for that gift?

By learning to “walk in a manner worthy of [God’s] calling.”

And how do we do that?

Paul lays it out well: We need to be humble, gentle, patient, and tolerant in love, and we need to preserve unity in peace.

Pretty tall order, isn’t it?

I’m pretty sure I can be gentle … and I’m pretty tolerant in love, accepting people as they are. And sometimes that does mean “love the sinner, hate the sin.” I seek peace in all interactions.

But patience? I’ve been working on that one for ages—or should I say the Spirit has been working in me. I still tend to want what I want when I want it. I am getting better at this, though, the older I get. I recognize how God has worked in the past, and His timing is usually not my timing.

And humility? This is another area in which I need help. I’m learning to put others ahead of myself (Philippians 2:3-4).

It’s not easy, but it’s part of the journey. And—praise God!—my walk is an ongoing, continuous action, and I’ll continue growing and learning until I meet my Lord face-to-face.

So how’s your walk? Are you struggling with any of these? Pray that the Spirit will work in you and through you, so you will be worthy of God’s calling.

Loving Our Siblings in Christ (Galatians 5:26)

Today's scriptures: Galatians 5:26

Yesterday, we were reminded of the fruit of the Spirit—those attributes that demonstrate the difference we in Christ should manifest.

And perhaps, to attract believers to our Lord and Savior, we do show love and kindness and patience to the world. And yet, with those we should love most—our family, our friends … our brothers and sisters in Christ—we aren’t so loving or gentle.

Instead of humbly following God’s call, we boast about what God’s doing in us.

Instead of praying for and supporting our leadership, we challenge them to do things our way.

Instead of celebrating the gifts and talents of others, we envy them when they’re doing what we want.

Oh, if only we really loved that way, served that way. With humility. Genuinely supporting one another. Rejoicing with each other.

Just think about how our local churches could serve the community—if we positively focused on others instead of ourselves.

Just think about it …

Love Your Neighbor ... Really (Galatians 5:14-15)

Today's scriptures: Galatians 5:14-15

Imagine what this world would be like if we all followed this simple commandment.

No thefts. No rapes. No murders. No arguments over property lines. No one cutting off another in traffic. No cheating. No lying. No backstabbing.

Instead, people would share with one another. Care for one another. Marriages would remain intact. Families would thrive.

But no. We don’t love each other as we love ourselves. We “bite and devour one another,” and in doing so, we “consume” each other.

We hurt those we say we love. We let petty differences destroy. We look at that “greener grass,” and think nothing of breaking hearts.

We step on others in our never-ending climb up the corporate ladder.

And maybe this behavior can be accepted in the world. But those of us who claim to follow Christ? May it never be, as Paul would say. We need to be the example of Christ’s love to a hurting world. We need to love one another even more than we love ourselves.

Imagine how your world would be if you did.

Unity Among Believers (2 Corinthians 12:19-21)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

Why is it that we so often contend the most with those we’re to love the most? Paul is writing to Christians in Corinth—not unbelievers. Yet, he’s concerned with the possibility that there may be “strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances” (v. 20).

We Christians are part of the very body of Christ. We are hands and feet, ears and eyes, knees and elbows. All together making up one unified body—or so it should be.

How sad that it isn’t that way … We point fingers. We gossip behind closed doors. We see the failings of a sister and think ourselves better. We somewhat maliciously delight in seeing the speck in our brother’s eye, all the while ignoring the plank in our own.

As Paul writes in other contexts, may it never be!

What if we all loved as we’re commanded to love? Loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14). Being willing to lay down our lives for others (John 15:13). Thinking of others above ourselves (Philippians 2:2-4). Showing patience, kindness, self-control (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Can you imagine? If we loved each other that way, maybe we would love unbelievers that way too. And then how attractive would they find us? If we showed genuine love and unity, we could change our communities, our workplaces, our schools.

It would be amazing.

Tolerance (2 Corinthians 11:16-21a)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:16-21a

Much is said these days about tolerance. We need to tolerate others’ beliefs, flaws, foibles, idiosyncrasies, and, as Paul writes, foolishness.

Webster’s defines “tolerance” as the “capacity to endure pain or hardship” (synonyms include endurance, fortitude, and stamina). Verse 20 of today’s scripture seems to speak to this kind of tolerance: enduring persecution and suffering.

But verse 19 seems to illustrate the second of Webster’s definition—and what our society means by tolerance: “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own; the act of allowing something.”

While I believe we should be sympathetic and compassionate with all people, no matter what they believe, I do believe that we who follow Christ must be careful about “allowing” those beliefs to permeate or meld with our own. Tolerance doesn’t mean acceptance.

Unfortunately, for many, these terms are interchangeable. This is why many Christians are jumping on the “it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe” bandwagon. The “all roads lead to heaven” squad. The “do what you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone” team.

Dangerous territory.

Yes, we need to love others—this is, after all, the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:31). Yes, we need to show compassion, kindness, and gentleness. Yes, we need to shine Christ’s light to everyone.

But we cannot—we must not—allow beliefs that are contrary to God’s word to infiltrate our hearts and souls. We can “tolerate” but we must stand firm in faith.

Speaking as Children (2 Corinthians 6:11-13)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:11-13

I recently spent a few days with my family in Oregon, and I especially enjoyed seeing my four great-nephews. They range in age from nine months to nine years. It’s fun to see the baby’s reactions and the energy of the older three.

Sometimes when we read the Bible, and it deals with children, we often interpret it to mean we’re to talk in simpler terms. I think these verses mean something slightly different. I think it means we’re to be open with one another, speaking with affection and transparency, just as we do with children.

When I talk with my great-nephews, it’s true that I don’t use lofty words. I certainly speak in terms they easily understand. Even more, however, I use tones that clearly demonstrate my affection for them. My heart is “opened wide” when I interact with them.

This is how we should be with each other: open and affectionate. We should demonstrate our love through active listening and careful—and caring—words.

As one commentary puts it, “I speak to you with the utmost freedom and fluency because of my affection for you. It is expanded to take you and all your interests in; and to keep you in the most affectionate remembrance” (The Adam Clarke Commentary).