Daily Devotionals
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (Aminta)
Sometimes, living out what the Bible tells us to do isn’t easy.
My son, Zeke, is learning this lesson at school! The picture today is of him, my favorite 9-year-old.
There are a couple kids in his class that have been making recess not very fun for him. They make fun of him, leave him out, and try to make him feel bad.
It’s a bummer.
When I pick him up after school, he shares what happened and we often hug it out and pray. Then, we talk about how the Bible wants us to respond… and it’s not easy!
His natural response is to be mean back to them! Sometimes, when he tells me how they acted, I also want to be mean! My mama bear comes out and I feel like teaching those kids a lesson.
However, scripture tells us something radically different: Love your enemies.
Romans 12:14-20 days:
“Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD.
Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads."”
Kindness in return for meanness.
Love instead of hate.
Being generous no matter how they treat you.
IT’S NOT EASY.
Last night, as we discussed his strategy for today’s recess, we brainstormed ways to respond and practice love. Both of us had tears as we prayed and asked God to make him strong enough to be kind when others are mean. I’m so proud of his willingness to try again today!
Sweet friends, can I encourage you to pursue living out the truth, even when it isn’t easy?
Even is it seems unfair or painful… it’s worth the effort. Your Heavenly Father sees and one day he will make all things right.
It’s worth the battle! God sees our efforts and he rewards us for shining a light in the dark. When we try to obey his Word, we show the world what God’s love is like, and we bring glory to his name.
We are better together!
Mint
My son, Zeke, is learning this lesson at school! The picture today is of him, my favorite 9-year-old.
There are a couple kids in his class that have been making recess not very fun for him. They make fun of him, leave him out, and try to make him feel bad.
It’s a bummer.
When I pick him up after school, he shares what happened and we often hug it out and pray. Then, we talk about how the Bible wants us to respond… and it’s not easy!
His natural response is to be mean back to them! Sometimes, when he tells me how they acted, I also want to be mean! My mama bear comes out and I feel like teaching those kids a lesson.
However, scripture tells us something radically different: Love your enemies.
Romans 12:14-20 days:
“Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD.
Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads."”
Kindness in return for meanness.
Love instead of hate.
Being generous no matter how they treat you.
IT’S NOT EASY.
Last night, as we discussed his strategy for today’s recess, we brainstormed ways to respond and practice love. Both of us had tears as we prayed and asked God to make him strong enough to be kind when others are mean. I’m so proud of his willingness to try again today!
Sweet friends, can I encourage you to pursue living out the truth, even when it isn’t easy?
Even is it seems unfair or painful… it’s worth the effort. Your Heavenly Father sees and one day he will make all things right.
It’s worth the battle! God sees our efforts and he rewards us for shining a light in the dark. When we try to obey his Word, we show the world what God’s love is like, and we bring glory to his name.
We are better together!
Mint
