Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
As a Christian, living in other people’s presence is an integral part of the perfecting process.
If it was just a matter of accepting Jesus Christ, and that was it, He would simply take us straight to heaven.
For the Christian, if God was gracious and gave us the faith necessary to believe in Him, it is only the beginning.
Our work is just beginning; there is a process by which we will be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ, and this requires us to work through the trials as we walk through our lives with Jesus.
I mean, this would be easy if it weren’t for those pesky people in our lives. Right?
The thing is, the people in our lives are there to help us grow to be more like Jesus, and if we run away from people, we are running away from the lessons that God wants us to learn.
Sometimes, we may think to ourselves, “If I only get around the right people, things will change for me.” The question is, what are you doing with the people you have around you now?
The truth is when things inside of us change according to the truth of God, things around us will change.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
The single source of truth is the Word of God. And if we are not seeking our answers there, our spiritual growth will non-existent.
A daily habit of reading God’s Word is the best place to start. Ask God for His Spirit to help you understand what you are reading. When your mind starts to go crazy on an idea, start writing down what you are thinking.
Meditate on these ideas, pray about them.
So what does this have to do with today’s scriptures?
Part of our spiritual growth is living in harmony with those around us, both believers and non-believers.
And for us to effective, we need to have a firm handle on the Bible’s truths.
So that we can “motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
Living like this takes a humble spirit. There are people in our lives who can help us grow, and we are there to help others grow, but we can not do that in isolation.
The biggest challenge that we have when dealing with others is our expectations of them and their expectations.
And most of the time, if we do not have the Word of God dwelling richly in our hearts, we will generally treat others the way we are being treated.
But Christians are called to:
Matthew 7:12 NLT
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
There is no getting around it; our most significant spiritual growth opportunity will be with our interactions with others.
Matthew 5:43-48 NLT
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
We are called to a higher calling.
Heavenly Father, thank You for those around me. Especially those who challenge me, I know that they are there to help me grow more like Jesus Christ.
I pray that Your Word continues to dwell richly in my heart and that they will shape me to be like Jesus.
I pray the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are pleasing to You.
Lord, please keep my heart bent to forgiveness, and that I will be ready to help all those who ask for my help.
I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!! 🙏❤️
