Crosswalk.com--The Devotional

[Judy Harder]

What's Your Nineveh?
Laura MacCorkle

Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone. Jonah 2:8-9, NLT

Have you ever run away from something that God wanted you to do? If so, then you've got a lot in common with Jonah. You know the story . . .

Guy in a tunic hears from God.

Guy doesn't like what God wants him to do.

Guy runs in the other direction.  Literally.

Guy gets on a boat.

Guy get tossed overboard during a storm.

Guy gets swallowed by a big fish.

Guy repents.

Guy goes and does what God tells him (a second time) to do.

Guy gets angry when God is compassionate to others (who guy doesn't think are deserving).

Guy gets rebuked, and God has the last word.

Jonah was running from Nineveh—a city with an idolatrous people so wicked that they would cut off the feet and hands of their captives just to intimidate others. Yikes!

So it's probably safe to say that all of us might have felt like Jonah did when thinking about ministering to the Ninehvites: scared for himself and disbelieving that these people could ever be saved. Why even try, right?

But God wanted Jonah to preach and to reach out to others, because God has reached out to all of us. We are all undeserving of his love and his unmerited favor, but mercifully God forgives. Jonah didn't want to see this, and so he ran.

Perhaps you are running as well. You're trying to get as far away from your Nineveh—the thing that truly scares you, the thing that you know God is leading you toward, the thing you don't really want to do.

I have run away from so many things in my life. But one of these days, maybe I will have grown enough in my faith that I will immediately say "Yes, Lord" when he gives me instruction.

Until that point in my maturity, there's a current Nineveh that has been occupying a lot of my thoughts lately. It's my fall group Bible study. Now, that's not so scary in and of itself. But you know what is? What we'll be studying come September: the book of Revelation.

I confess that I've thought about dropping out a few times already, as I've had too much time to anticipate and be afraid. To me, this is the most intimidating book of Scripture. I have a fear that I'll never understand the symbolism, that I'll look dumb trying to answer the questions in front of my group and that I'll spend the entire eight months of study in a fog of frustration.

But I think I'm missing the most important point. What seems impossible to me is exactly what God wants me to do. So that I will learn. And grow. And draw closer to him as I work on understanding his Word.

Jonah is one of the shortest books of the Bible, so I invite you to read through it today when you have a half hour to spare. See if you don't see yourself in Jonah's thoughts and fears, in his actions and in his initial response to God's call in his life.

And then ask yourself, "What is my Nineveh?" and pray. Ask the Lord to help you work through your fear, your anger, your rebellion.

Instead of running this time, and from our own Ninevehs, may God help us all to run toward what he has purposed for our good.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Stop running in the wrong direction! Repent and start moving obediently toward whatever God is calling you to do today. Despite our proclivity toward unfaithfulness, he is always faithful.

Further Reading:

2 Samuel 22:1-4, NIV
2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV
Philippians 1:6, NIV

[Judy Harder]

Good Fish, Bad Fish
Ryan Duncan. Editor at TheFish.com

"His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire." – Matthew 3:12

One of my favorite summer vacations was the year my father, sisters, and I flew down to Key Largo, Florida. It was a pretty action packed weekend for the four of us. We went scuba diving in the mornings, kayaked in the afternoons, drove to the everglades when we wanted a change of scenery, and went swimming at the beach with other families. Finally, our last activity for the trip was to take a charter boat out to the open ocean and go fishing, which was much harder than it sounds. Ocean fish tend to be a lot stronger than fish in lakes or rivers, and most of them broke my line before I could reel them in.

Finally, after struggling for minutes with what I assumed was a miniature blue whale, I managed to pull in your average Red Snapper. A few people congratulated me on my catch, and the captain mentioned that if I was hungry Red Snapper made for a good meal. Then moments later it was my Father's turn to get a bite. My dad struggled briefly with the line before reeling in a very large, very angry looking eel. For a minute everyone on the boat just stood there watching the eel as it hissed and shook itself wildly on hook. You could tell we were all thinking the same thought, "There is no way I'm touching that thing!"

Finally, the captain stepped forward, cut the line, and the eel fell back into the water much to everyone's relief. I bring this up because Jesus told a similar fishing story in the Parable of the Net.         

"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous." – Matthew 13:47-50

It may be odd comparing humans to fish, but the parable still stands. A fisherman has no use for a hissing eel, and God really has no place for humans who refuse to acknowledge him or ignore his word. The difference is that God never stops casting out his net. He wants to be a part of our lives, which is why he sent Jesus in the first place. So let yourself be caught by Christ, he is the only fisherman that sets his captives free.     


Intersecting Faith and Life

Set aside some time this week to be alone with God.

Further Reading

Matthew 13:1-23   

[Judy Harder]

Wisdom for All Ages
Sarah Phillips

A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. ~ Proverbs 16: 23 NIV

How can we live the Christian life well? Is it dependant on nebulous feelings of doing good? Thankfully, there's more guidance than that. Cultivating the cardinal virtues is one concrete way to live a solid Christian witness. The four cardinal virtues are: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.

Let's examine what one virtue looke like in the life of someone committed to Christ.

If someone asked me to draw a picture of wisdom when I was a child, I would have drawn an old, wrinkly, robed man meditating in a tent. I imagined wisdom as something that belonged to those focused on the "higher things," people isolated from the day-to-day grind of life. But this is a faulty understanding of wisdom. True wisdom contains both clarity of insight and the ability to apply that insight to real life situations

In my recent reading of the book The 33 Doctors of the Church, I came across an ancient Christian who exemplified both aspects of wisdom. While his name is not well-known, God worked through St. Ephrem to greatly influence the early Church.

Ephrem was an eastern Christian, born in Syria during the 4th century. His native language was Syro-Chaldaic -- the same language Jesus, His family, and His apostles spoke in everyday life. Born of Christian parents, Ephrem developed a thirst for God's Word early in life. He soaked in the Scriptures line by line, delving into the nuances that came more easily to him than you and me today.

Ephrem's deep study of Scripture inspired him to employ his gift for language by writing countless poems, hymns, and homilies for God's glory. Unlike most writers, he never seemed to be at a loss for words. Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, a contemporary of Ephrem's, joked that if you needed a cure for writer's block, you should just ask Ephrem for an idea he already "prayed away."

In some ways the studious, poetic Ephrem resembled that old, robed man in the tent because he lived as an unmarried hermit. But Ephrem hardly isolated himself. He often wrote to instruct the confused and played an active role in shepharding youth.

One of his more famous uses of his poetic talent came in response to a heresy spreading among the local community in the form of a collection of popular hymns. He witnessed young people embracing the songs' messages and falling away from godly living. In response, Ephrem borrowed the melody and wrote new lyrics. Ephrem's version of the hymns, superior in artistry and taught with fatherly love, ultimately became so popular the old hymns were all but forgotten.

Ephrem's love for God's Word also inspired him beyond his writing and music. He often pitched in to help the local community during times of need, and he was loved even by bishops abroad. Ephrem was a sensitive, kind man known for joyfully weeping with those who rejoiced and sorrowfully weeping with those who mourned. He died from exhaustion in his 60's after assisting his suffering community during a famine.

Ephrem's legacy continues to resonate with the modern world. He lived in a time and place not unlike our own, surrounded by war, sadness, confusion, and even rebellious youth. He could have thrown his hands up and said, "What difference can a poet make?" Yet he did not shun the surrounding culture but wisely employed his gifts to engage those around him. In fact, Ephrem's gift for hymnody was so great, many churches around the world continue to sing his hymns today.

Intersecting Faith & Life: St. Ephrem cultivated wisdom by immersing himself in God's Word. This week, read a chapter of the Bible you've never read before and study up on its meaning.

Further Reading

Proverbs 16: 21

[Judy Harder]

"Whatever": Simultaneously the Worst and Best Word We Have
by Shawn McEvoy, Managing Editor, Crosswalk.com

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute... dwell on these things (Phil. 4:.

On the one hand, it's always good to get scientific affirmation for something you believe or suspect.

On the other, it's never fun when you've been planning to write about that same belief or suspicion for over a year and someone goes out and steals your thunder.

But that's okay - this Fox News report about a survey by Marist College on the most annoying words in American conversation just gives me the excuse to get around to it now.

The article states,

47 percent of Americans surveyed in a Marist College poll released Wednesday [found "Whatever" to be the most annoying word we use].

"Whatever" easily beat out "you know," which especially grated a quarter of respondents. The other annoying contenders were "anyway" (at 7 percent), "it is what it is" (11 percent) and "at the end of the day" (2 percent).

"Whatever" — pronounced "WHAT'-ehv-errr" when exasperated — is an expression with staying power. Immortalized in song by Nirvana ("oh well, whatever, nevermind") in 1991, popularized by the Valley girls in "Clueless" later that decade, it is still commonly used, often by younger people.

It can be an all-purpose argument-ender or a signal of apathy. And it can really be annoying. The poll found "whatever" to be consistently disliked by Americans regardless of their race, gender, age, income or where they live.

Exactly! I've felt that way for years. When someone uses "whatever" on me in a conversation or email, it's a kick to the groin of non-importance. Beyond annoying, it's rude and dismissive. It's also ignorant, especially when delivered at the end of what was supposed to be a friendly debate or argument, because it illustrates that the person had no better retort and is now summarily ending the conversation with a parting shot connoting that nothing you just said mattered anyway. "Whatever!"

In a country sorely lacking in civility, manners, and conversation skills... and ripe with apathy and self-importance, "Whatever" is the motto du jour.

Then again... what a powerful word it can be for our walk with Christ.

It's kind of like when you are reading a play, or preparing to act in one. You have the script before you. There are minimal clues for how any word in the text should be read. What inflection, what level of voice, what tone shall I use? What does the context and the setting and the personality of the character tell me in regards to how this word or line is going to sound? Ultimately, you and the Director decide.

And I've decided that "Whatever" can be, if we so choose, the defining word of the Christian life. Because while few other words carry the same potential for dismissive rudeness, no other word holds the same potential for all-out surrender and steadfast faith.

I find you guilty in your sins.
Whatever you say, Lord, I repent and accept the sacrifice of your Son who atoned for them.

This situation you're in is going to hurt.
Whatever. I know my faith will be made strong through trials, and that I can do all things through your strength.

You don't know what the future holds; only I do.
Whatever it is, you deserve glory and honor and praise. Bring it on!

I want you to [go to Africa / give to this homeless person / quit this job / plant this church / preach my Word]
Whatever!

I know you think this is unfair compared to that person's situation, but do not let comparison steal my joy from you.
Whatever, God. Whatever.

The Apostle Paul was the master of "whatever." To wit:

Phil. 4:11: I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

1 Cor. 10:31: Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Gal. 6:7: Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Eph. 6:8: Whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Phil. 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Whatever!

[Judy Harder]

Imperfect Communities of Peace
Alex Crain, Editor of Christianity.com

"He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" (James 4:6)

Looking around at the seemingly fractured state of Christianity in the world today with all of its various camps and divisions, it's tempting to idealize the early church as a perfect time of peace and harmony. Instead of multiple churches in a city, there was just one. Instead of separate denominations, seminaries, and theological societies there was just a small, despised group of disciples who clung to Christ and turned the world upside down with the message of grace and salvation.

Then the book of James disrupts that rose-colored view of history with a more complete picture of the early churches. The Epistle of James was the first book of the New Testament written slightly more than a decade or so after Jesus ascended. Even a casual reading of this short letter shows that the author spilled a lot of ink addressing the ongoing problem of sinful human conflict among Christians. Why? Because Christians can, and do, still sin. And sin tends to bring about devastating effects.

But the Holy Spirit, through James's letter, instructed these believers how to become communities of peace in Christ's power. The seven implicit commands in James 4:1-12 are for us as well by extension. All seven commands hang together. Not one of them is optional.

1.     Realize the true source of sinful conflict (vv. 1-2a). It's not your circumstances. It's not your brother or sister. It's your own heart.

1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have;

2.     Fear the serious effects of sinful conflict (vv. 2-4). In other words, don't take sin lightly.

2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.4You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

In life, we recognize that having a healthy fear of danger is the mark of maturity, not weakness.

3.     Humbly seek God's grace to overcome sin (vv. 6, 10). We Christians need to continually view ourselves as needy recipients of God's grace, not dispensers of self-made virtue.

6 He gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

4.     Pursue God and you will not pursue sin. (vv. 7-8) Such an obvious, self-evident truth needs little explanation.

7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

5.     Keep your hearts tender to sin (v. 8-9)

8 Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.

To this originally Jewish audience who were the first recipients of James' letter, it would be common knowledge that the Hebrew word for heart in verse 8 means conscience. Rather than talking about the blood-pumping organ in our chest, James refers to the inner person, the soul, the conscience.

Moses recorded that Pharaoh "hardened his heart" (Exod. 8:15), which meant that Pharaoh had seared his conscience from heeding God's will.

When Scripture speaks of a tender heart as in 2 Chr. 34:27, it's talking about a sensitive conscience.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

We may mentally know the source of sin and possess a genuine fear for the effects of sin, but without an alert and tender heart to the presence of sin, we fall into sin.

6.     Don't judge each other in sinful ways (v. 11)

11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.

We wrongly think that we can hide our sins by highlighting the sins of others. We sinfully judge through subtle forms of gossip and slander, both of which grieve the Spirit and divide the family of God. It's important to have discernment. And that means Christians can, and should, use sound judgment about whose professions of faith are credible. Jesus Himself said that we evaluate not by a person's words but by what fruit is shown in his or her life (Matthew 7:16, 20). But rather than judge in sinful ways, we follow Christ's way of restoration spelled out in Scriptures like Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1.

7.     Trust God to work in each other's lives (v. 12)

12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

I recall hearing biblical counselor, David Powlison, once say that a wonderful trait about true Christians is that they love the light; and when given the truth, they'll embrace it.

While that may not always take place as immediately as we would like, if the other person is truly a believer, he has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him and will ultimately be drawn to the truth. James 4:12 reminds us that God is, indeed, able to save. The great promise of Philippians 1:6 comes to mind, "I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

When living out these commands by God's grace, Christian individuals can become churches that are communities of peace. Imperfect, yes. Nothing will be perfect until Christ returns and His glorious kingdomcomes. But until then, Christ doesn't call his sheep to be passive about the dangers of unchecked sinful conflict.

Intersecting Faith and Life

Our struggle with flesh is over only in heaven, but we are called to embrace the struggle and fight the flesh, not surrender to it.



Further Reading

Not What You Wanted?
What Is the Kingdom of Christ?

[Judy Harder]

What's On Your Mind?
Ryan Duncan. Editor at TheFish.com

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." – Proverbs 13:20

Back when I was still attending school, one of my closest friends was a boy I'll call Jason. I was a pretty shy, quiet kid at the time, so I was very grateful to have a friend like Jason, who was loud and very social, to hang around with. Then one day, Jason began hanging out with another boy from our class named Al. Al was the type of person who loved to tell crude jokes, swore freely when he talked, and openly boasted about watching pornography. I could barely stand to be around him, but Jason got along great with him, and since he was my friend, I put up with it.

Over time though, I began to notice subtle changes in Jason. He developed a foul mouth, and started making suggestive comments whenever girls were around. In short, he started becoming a lot like Al. Thankfully, Jason and Al eventually went their separate ways and my friend returned to normal, but I've never forgotten how easily he was changed. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes,

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." – Philippians 4:8-9

Paul wasn't trying to be quirky when he wrote this section of his letter. On the contrary, I believe he was giving the Philippians some very serious advice. You see, whatever rules our hearts and minds will eventually change who we are. When we put Christ at the center of our thoughts, we gradually become the type of person he made us to be. But when we let the immorality of our culture, or our own selfishness take control, we become the type of person the world has shaped us to be.       

God made us to be glorious reflections of Himself. Are your heart and mind reflecting Him?                   



Intersecting Faith and Life

Have your thoughts been focused on things unworthy of Christ? Take some time to consider your mindset. 

Further Reading

Proverbs 12:26

[Judy Harder]

Love is On the Move
Debbie Wright, Assistant Editor of Family Content at Crosswalk.com



"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" -Matthew 25:37-40

"On the corner of 5th Street / a homeless man needs to eat / down on the edge of town..."
-Leeland, "Love is On the Move"

Actually it was 14th Street. 14th and Cary.

I was driving slowly across the cobblestone of downtown Richmond, one block away from pulling into my parking garage before work. However, I noticed a new addition to my morning drive: a middle-aged man with sandy hair sitting on the corner, facing me. He was holding a cardboard sign which read "STUCK LIKE CHUCK." I had never seen him there before. On my way to work this morning I had already passed a beat-up looking group of teenage boys hitch-hiking on the side of 95 south, so by now my maternal instincts were driving me crazy.

I specifically made sure that I made my way to the office via the man with the sign. Before I walked past him I stopped and asked, "Sir?" He looked up at me. His skin was very weathered and tan, but his eyes were electric blue. Almost shocking. "Do you need some food?" I asked.

He sort of looked down, as though thinking, Well, I can't pay my bills with food... But he looked back up at me and hesitantly conceded, "It sure would help." I gave him part of my lunch I had packed for the day, said "God bless you, sir," and tried not to cry.

It's so hard to translate Christ's mandate to love the poor into modern, daily city life. What if I give someone money and they just go buy drugs or cigarettes? What if I help a hitchhiker and they put a gun to my head? How could my pitiful Tupperware container full of fruit possibly help a genuinely struggling man? But Christ made no bones about it: we at least have to try. Not just the important, desperate, convenient people. God's empathy extends to "even the least of them" – He feels both their pain and their gratitude.

"If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" –James 2:15

"Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" –James 2:5

Intersecting Faith and Life

How can you be a powerful, physical force for God's love? In your life, who are the poor, "the least," that Christ would have you notice?

Further Reading/Listening

Love is On the Move – Leeland (Essential Records, 2009)   

Matthew 25

James 2

Permission to Feed the Poor?

[Judy Harder]

The Lamp to Light the Way
by Anna Kuta, News and Culture Editor at Crosswalk.com

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).

A few weeks ago, some bad thunderstorms in the area left my house without electricity for almost 24 hours. These kinds of power outages usually happen once or twice a year, so we're always prepared with plenty of flashlights and batteries. From trying to remember not to flip on light switches out of habit to strategizing which windows to open to get the optimal breeze going, it really makes you appreciate the electricity we usually take for granted. If you've ever stumbled through the darkness in the middle of the night trying to locate a flashlight, you understand what I'm saying.

Psalm 119:105 likens the Word of God to a "lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Like a flashlight is crucial for finding your way through a room full of obstacles in the middle of the night during a power outage, the Bible is the all-sufficient guide given to us by God for navigating our lives in a dark world. In and of itself, it contains everything we need to know in order to have faith in God, repent, receive salvation, and live a life pleasing to Him. It teaches us right and wrong, shows us the difference between true and false doctrines, and reveals the character and nature of God. "All Scripture," as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Just as a flashlight helps us find our way through the dark, the Word of God is our resource to direct us in all ways in our Christian lives. Not only does it guide our steps in the right path, but it shows us how to avoid the wrong way, and we should never set out without it.

Intersecting Faith & Life

Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." The importance of reading and knowing God's Word cannot be overstated. Make it a point today and every day to spend at least a few minutes reading Scripture. Learn it. Memorize it. Use it to guide your way. It is one of the most important things you can do.

Further Reading

Hebrews 4:12

2 Timothy 2:15

1 Timothy 4:12-13

[Judy Harder]

Setting a Christian Example
Sarah Piper

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4: 12

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you had nothing to offer or that your contributions didn't matter? Ever had to prove yourself to others in order to gain their respect? Think back to your childhood—maybe you experienced this in a classroom or on a sports team. It's easy to be intimidated or overshadowed by those who are older, smarter, more talented or more experienced than we are. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young believer. He encourages him not to give anyone an excuse to write him off as immature or undeserving of their attention, but instead to confidently set an excellent example of the Christian life.

Of course, Paul's message here doesn't apply only to Timothy, but to us as well. Even if we sometimes feel useless, God has a plan to use us for His glory in every situation. He enables us to live in a way that exalts Him and to bless others with our example.

In this verse, Paul names five specific areas in our lives that should be representative of a changed heart, the first of which is speech. This is probably one of the most difficult aspects of our character to keep in check; as James 3:6 says, "the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." Although there's no denying that it's challenging, it's vital that we learn to control what we say since it often has a huge effect on others. Thoughtful and loving words can establish relationships, but just a few angry or careless words can destroy years of friendship.

Next, Paul emphasizes our conduct. In his letter to the Philippians, he encourages them to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." As believers, we have a responsibility to represent Christ to the world through our actions. If we wear the label of "Christian," we must be willing to live our lives to that standard.

Perhaps the most essential aspect, love must also be characteristic of our lives. As Jesus says in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." More than anything else, our love distinguishes us from unbelievers. Christians are called to exhibit a kind of love that others would see as crazy, the same kind that Jesus showed us: unconditional, undeserved, and often unrequited—the type of love that makes people do a double take.

Next, Paul addresses our faith. As believers, "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). We trust that the Bible is true, that Jesus was who He said He was, and that God has the ability to keep the promises He has made to us. This faith should give us courage to live boldly for Christ because we know God will love, protect, and provide for us no matter what.

Finally, we are called to be an example of purity. In the Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 8, Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Because of our fallen nature, we can't reach perfection in this life, but nevertheless, we are to strive to keep God's commands as a demonstration of our love for Him and gratefulness for the saving work He's done in our lives. As we grow in our walk with Him, He promises to purify us and make us more like Himself.

The characteristics outlined in this verse aren't easy to perfect by any stretch of the imagination. That doesn't give us a free pass not to work towards that goal, though. Paul challenges us to reach for a higher standard, not only to set an example for other believers, but also to make unbelievers wonder what we have that is so special that it changes everything about our lives.

[Judy Harder]

Forgive the Neighborhood Bullies?
Alex Crain
Editor, Christianity.com

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
Matthew 6:12

My family is blessed to live on a cul-de-sac where our seven-year-old boy freely rides his bike and plays for hours without having to contend with busy traffic. The contention he faces most often is unfortunately the unkind words and actions of the other boys around the block.

Knowing that our little guy isn't perfect, my wife asked our son after one recent occurrence if he had done anything to provoke the attack. "No, mom" he replied as he held the little spot on the side of his head where a hardened dirt clod missile had made impact just a few moments earlier. "He's just mean. I'm never playing with him again." She commended him for walking away from the fray instead of taking matters into his own hands—an impulse which generally tends to make matters worse.

While we have tried to help our son (and ourselves) understand that we live in a sinful world in which things like this happen, we still struggle to respond in a way that demonstrates the grace of the Lord to neighbors He has called us to reach. One habit that seems to bring about the right change in our hearts is to talk to the Lord about it as a family during nightly prayers. We often close our time reciting "the Lord's prayer," which gently reminds us of our own sins as we say the line: "...and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."

Thomas Watson, the great Cambridge scholar and Puritan preacher from the 1600s, wrote commenting on that phrase (in Matthew 6:12) "We are not bound to trust an enemy; but we are bound to forgive him." (Body of Divinity, p. 734).  Going further (p. 734), he asks: "When do we forgive others?"

Answer: "When we strive against all thoughts of revenge; when we will not do our enemies mischief, but wish well to them, grieve at their calamities, pray for them, seek reconciliation with them, and show ourselves ready on all occasions to relieve them--this is gospel forgiving."

Watson, being the biblical scholar that he was, did not derive his answer from thin air. Each part of it comes straight from Scripture:


1. Resist thoughts of revenge: Romans 12:19, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."

2. Don't seek to do them mischief: 1 Thessalonians 5:15, "See that no one repays another with evil for evil..."

3. Wish well to them: Luke 6:28, "Bless those who curse you."

4. Grieve at their calamities: Proverbs 24:17, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles."

5. Pray for them: Matthew 5:44, "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

6. Seek reconciliation with them: Romans 12:18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

7. Be always willing to come to their relief: Exodus 23:4, "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him."

Today, there was peace in the neighborhood. All the boys were getting along again climbing up the tree fort and playing on the rope swing in our backyard. This side of heaven, our battle with unforgiveness may continue to wage; but Watson's biblical counsel and God's grace form the right strategy of gospel forgiving.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

In what situations are you tempted to harbor unforgiveness?

How does God look upon unforgiveness? (read Matthew 6:15).

Is there a situation in your life today in which you can apply "gospel forgiving?"

Further Reading

Psalm 73

Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity

Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer