Month: May 2026

Loving difficult people isn’t natural, but it’s one of the ways others see Christ in us.

Matthew 5:43-45

If we responded simply from natural impulses, we’d be kind to those who are kind to us and vengeful toward those who hurt us. It’s human nature.
Jesus clearly teaches us to love even our enemies. And He lived out what He taught: Christ loved us enough to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8-10). He offered His love without waiting for us to be deserving of it.
When we respond to hostility with love, something remarkable happens. First, the Father is pleased, which brings His children joy, peace, and deep satisfaction. Second, we get to watch how God moves in the relationship. Sometimes hearts soften. Sometimes reconciliation happens. Sometimes we simply become more like Jesus in the process.
There’s also an internal transformation. We become aware that the Holy Spirit is working from within, enabling divine love to flow through us in ways we couldn’t manufacture on our own. Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine qualities of spiritual fruit that He produces in believers—and love is the first one mentioned.
Loving difficult people isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. And it’s one of the clearest ways others see Christ in us.

When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can love even the unlovable.

Matthew 22:35-40

Jesus told the disciples, “In everything … treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matthew 7:12). This is commonly called the Golden Rule, and most of us would probably agree that, in theory, it’s a good foundation for a healthy relationship. In practice, though, the principle is tough to live up to consistently.
It’s easy to love when others treat us well. But how do we respond when their behavior is hurtful or unpleasant? The truth is, Jesus meant for us to love others all the time, not just when they’re lovable. Regardless of their attitude toward us, we are to think about the relationship qualities we value—like loyalty, trust, encouragement, forgiveness, acceptance, and protection—and let these flow from us toward the other person.
When we care for others in the way the Lord prescribes, relationships thrive and deepen. Loving as Jesus commanded is impossible on our own, but the good news is, we don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us to love in ways we never could by ourselves.
Consider how you hope others will treat you—with kindness, patience, and grace. Ask God to show you one relationship where He wants to work through you today, and trust Him to provide what you need to love as Jesus loves.

God is patiently guiding us to release our old life and embrace who we are becoming in Christ.

Philippians 1:5-7

Every Christian’s journey is unique. Yet certain stages of growth should be common to all of God’s children. For example: 
• The Lord wants to teach new followers basic principles as a foundation on which to build. He expresses these truths through other believers, His Word, and things that happen in our life.
• God allows us to serve Him. Christians were created to do good works, and this becomes evident as we glorify Jesus (Ephesians 2:10).
• The Lord lets us experience “frustrated inadequacy.” In other words, our Father brings us to the place where we realize we can achieve nothing of value without divine guidance and power.
• To make freedom a reality, the Father brings His children face-to-face with whatever holds them captive. God allows us to struggle through issues with His help. As we surrender to Him and seek His perspective, He works to liberate us.
• The Lord teaches us how to live the “exchanged life” (Galatians 2:20). Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and the Savior’s life is expressed through us as we surrender to Him.
By reflecting on these stages, you may recognize where God is currently working in your life. He is patient and faithful in His work of transformation. Surrender to the Holy Spirit today, asking Him to continue shaping you into the likeness of Jesus.

Spiritual growth can’t be rushed—it’s a journey that requires your patient, daily cooperation with God.

Hebrews 5:11-14

Many modern-day inventions are designed to help us accomplish tasks more quickly. Not every process, however, lends itself to acceleration. Consider our growth in Christ, which is known as sanctification. Being a Christian is neither an event nor a quick fix. Rather, it is a journey. There are things for us to learn along the way, and while we may unwisely choose a longer path than necessary, there really are no shortcuts.
Sadly, there are people who grow little after salvation. Some aren’t discipled or encouraged in their faith. Others fail to pursue maturity through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship. But God’s Word says to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Consider how spiritual development benefits believers. The more we get to know God, the better able we are to walk in obedience and live a contented, purposeful life for His glory. We also become more adept at discerning truth from falsehood.
Have you noticed any change in your life and character since you were saved? Your heavenly Father wants to mature you. So make a continuous effort to cooperate with Him by reading Scripture, praying, fellowshipping, and repenting of all known sin in your life.

Surrendering to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords doesn’t remove your freedom but, rather, is how to finally find it.

Revelation 19:11-16

Scripture declares Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This isn’t merely a title—it’s the reality of who He is. The same Jesus who entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey will one day return in power and glory. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
When Christ returns, He won’t come alone. Believers and angels will accompany Him on that great day. If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you share in His victory and will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). This is the fulfillment of God’s promise that His people will participate in His kingdom.
One day Jesus will rule on this earth in perfect righteousness. But even now, He comes to reign in the heart of every believer. Salvation is just the beginning of all the blessings the Lord has in store for us.
Who rules your life? Who guides your decisions and directs your path? The Creator has a plan and purpose for your life, and He longs to reveal them to you as you walk with Him in trust and surrender.
When we submit to Christ’s loving authority, we discover freedom—not restriction. Then we can experience the joy of living, as God intended for His children.

One day you’ll see Christ exalted in glory, and you will join all heaven in worshipping the Lamb of God.

Revelation 1:9-18

The book of Revelation contains some of the richest descriptions of our Lord that Scripture offers. We love imagining Him as the baby in the manger and recognize the importance of His death and resurrection, but the story doesn’t end there.
John was given a dramatic vision of the exalted Lord as He is now, in heaven. The apostle had shared intimate friendship with Christ on earth, but the sight of his Lord in this glorified state overwhelmed him—he fell at Jesus’ feet as though dead (Rev. 1:17).
Jesus is portrayed as the Lord of His church, which is represented by the seven lampstands surrounding Him. He protectively watches over them and calls them to faithfulness.
A few chapters later, Jesus is revealed as the Lamb of God. He is the One who sacrificed Himself on our behalf, His blood purchasing redemption for people from every tribe and nation, making them citizens of His kingdom. All heaven erupts into praise and worship (Revelation 5:6-13).
If you believe in Christ, these chapters describe your future. Picture yourself standing before Jesus, the exalted Lord of His church, and then joining all heaven in worshipping Him as the Lamb of God.

God finishes what He starts, and His timing is never a moment too early or too late.

Galatians 4:4-5

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit planned and created a beautiful heaven and earth. Yet even before Adam and Eve were formed, God knew sin would enter the world, causing us to be separated from Him. However, a plan for our redemption was already in place. In the fullness of time, the Son of God took on human flesh and dwelled among us to carry it out (Romans 5:6).
The Lord doesn’t do anything haphazardly. Every plan of His is meticulously accomplished at just the right time. And this truth doesn’t apply to just the big events in human history. He has a specific plan for every believer too. He ordained the day each of us would be born and has complete knowledge of what each moment of our life will hold. And just as He did when Christ was born, God will, in the fullness of time, execute each part of His will for our life. He’s promised to work all things for our good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Are you trusting God’s plan for your life? The One with complete knowledge and wisdom knows what He’s doing. Have confidence in His timing, even when circumstances tempt you to rush ahead or give up hope. He is faithful to complete what He has begun, and He is never late.