Today's Verse - Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

—Proverbs 10:12

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships.

Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to "not repay evil with evil" (Romans 12:17).

Jesus said:

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44–45)

The apostle Paul also taught Christians in Rome:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)

Love removes the teeth from difficult situations while hatefulness only stirs up bitterness and spite. God's wise Old Covenant king shares a similar truth in our verse today. We are called to be a different kind of people, a JESUShaped people who leave the world a different and better place than we found it. It isn't always easy, but Jesus' way is powerful and redemptive in a world where most people expect the worst!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, I confess that when I'm wronged, I become angry and am often tempted to strike back in kind of try and get even. Please, remove the baser, self-serving side of my character through your Holy Spirit's cleansing and redeeming influence on my heart. May the love your Spirit inspires in me be seen in how I treat others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - 1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

—1 Peter 3:15

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to us and our faith?

First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as LORD.

Second, we prepare a presentation — or several presentations, depending upon the circumstances — that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus.

Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course, we will never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that impacts those around us with God's goodness, holiness, and grace.

My Prayer...

Holy God and loving Father, please use my influence and the quality of my life to bring others to Jesus. Please give me wisdom as I seek to lead the following friends to Christ... (Please specifically mention several of these precious people by name!)

May my words and actions lead them closer to you and show them my respect and the love you have for them as your creations. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:20

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

—Philippians 4:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What will we share in eternally with God? God's glory!

What led Israel through the wilderness and was reflected in the face of Moses after meeting with God? God's glory.

What is too marvelous for us as humans to fully behold? God's glory.

What should we do when we are seeking to honor God? Give him the glory that is due him. Praise him in glorious songs. Bring honor to Yahweh's holy name!

So, let's join the apostle Paul and praise God by saying:

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

My Prayer...

Wonderful and glorious God, you are majestic in holiness, patient with my imperfections, tender with my brokenness, and emphatic about my participation in your glory. Please receive my praise as I approach your throne of grace with love, admiration, appreciation, and thanksgiving. All glory be yours, O God, in Jesus' name. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.