Who have we helped today, yesterday, or last week? Jesus’ life is our blueprint for stepping outside of our selfish nature to put the needs of others before our desires.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17).
We must give freely to receive! Giving is a significant part of living a sacrificial life, which God honors, and responds by blessing our lives.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
Lord God, we ask You to change our hearts so our love will extend to those in need. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, Amen.
“Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise.”
Every day, we receive God’s love, grace, and countless mercies, especially for the forgiveness of our transgressions, yet, we are often harsh and unforgiving with those who offend us. When God’s love reigns in our heart, we forgive easily because we are forgiven.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). If our facial expressions are pleasant, and we easily smile then it is easy to speak encouraging words.
Maintain a heart filled with forgiveness by never allowing your emotions to override your love for God and others. The Jewish leaders despised Christ, yet, He always answered with words of wisdom, using a parables, and the Scriptures.
Regardless of how programs like “The Chosen” portray Jesus, the Scriptures reveal that He never spoke in harsh tones. Even when unkind, angry words are directed at us, we have the opportunity to reflect the love of God to others. We choose to nurture a spirit of humility by not retaliating.
Satan uses people to disturb our peace in an attempt to make us react negatively with emotions, which reveals the lack of discipline and self-control. When facing the conflict of contentious words, whisper a prayer, and remain silent. If we must reply, then simply say, “Jesus loves you,” and walk away, or end the call.
Not only should our words be spoken with a pleasant voice, breathe a prayer before sending text messages. Texting poses challenges because written words are often misunderstood, we never know how the recipient is going to perceive our message.
[Disclaimer: This Devotional is not advocating for one to remain in an abusive relationship.]
Staying close to God through prayer and Bible study reinforces our status of sons and daughters of God. We will face fiery trials and spiritual warfare in various ways. Satan’s goal is always to disturb our gifts of internal peace and joy. With the strength of Christ, we can overcome every situation. Study Ephesians 6.
Our earthly lives are the only opportunity we have to experience the spiritual growth and transformation of our minds, characters, and personalities into the likeness of Christ. The human effort of exercising patience and self-discipline in troublesome situations reveals our cooperation with the Holy Spirit to develop a righteous character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Fruit of the Spirit represents the attributes of Christ’s Righteous Character. Yes, the Christian journey involves suffering, still, if we speak encouraging words, we fulfill our part in cultivating a righteous character.
“I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue” (Psalm 39:1).
“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings.”
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).
At first, speaking only positive, and encouraging words requires much effort, yet if we persevere, the Holy Spirit softens our inherited, hardened hearts, and we begin to perceive life with a spirit of love and gratitude.
One day soon, we will live in the New Heaven and New Earth where love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and love-infused words will permeate the atmosphere. We should look forward to that Great Day!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Encouraging words always bless the giver and receiver. Peace and Blessings.
Lord God, we pray to have a spirit of love, compassion, and self-control as reflected by our words. Please help us to love others as you love them. We pray for the spiritual wisdom to perceive life through the eyes of Christ. We ask this prayer in the Loving Name of Jesus, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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