Today's Verse - Luke 6:27

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..."

—Luke 6:27

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus was the perfect example of this command in his life and death (Luke 23:24). Love that leads us to forgive has redemptive, life-changing power. While not everyone responds to such grace, many do. While being kind in our deeds and loving in our hearts to our enemies is not easy, God's Spirit can fill us with Jesus' love and help us live powerful lives of grace even in the presence of those who hate us (Romans 5:5). As we do, the Spirit transforms us to become more like Jesus and less and less like our old self-protective selves (2 Corinthians 3:18). As the history of Christianity shows, this miracle of this kind of love can change the lives of those who consider us enemies and bring them to God.

My Prayer...

Dear God, I confess that I have trouble with a few people in my life. They seem determined to criticize, undermine, belittle, defeat, and destroy me. Please give me the love to resist their attacks. Please empower me to respond to their actions in ways that are redemptive, righteous, and loving. Do this seemingly impossible work in my heart so that my obedience to Jesus' command can lead others to my Savior's grace. In the redeeming and mighty name of Jesus, I ask the Holy Spirit to help fill me with your love and demonstrate this grace to others. 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 - 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

—2 Peter 3:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God wants all people brought to repentance so they can receive his grace and share with him in his glory. God desires our salvation so much that he came to us in Jesus to save us (John 3:16-17). Since saving us is God's passion for us, how can we not make it our passion to lead others to salvation through Jesus? Jesus' last words before returning to the Father remind us that reaching the world with the message of God's grace is also our Savior's mission for us (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)!

My Prayer...

Father, I know that you hold the day of Jesus' return in your hands, and the reason he waits to return is known only to you. However, dear Father, I also know that you want all people to come to know Jesus as their Lord and be saved. Please use me to share your message of salvation and the gift of your loving grace through Jesus with someone around me this week, and may it hasten the day of his return. 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 - Proverbs 10:17

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

—Proverbs 10:17

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Discipline is not only essential for us, but also for those who are influenced by our actions. So often, we undervalue the impact of our personal decisions on others. But God has placed each of us in a circle of influence to be a blessing and a redemptive influence on those around us. To choose what is foolish and to ignore godly correction not only jeopardizes our future, but also the future of others we influence and long to point toward Jesus.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, humble and correct me gently, but please discipline me as I need it. I am aware that there are areas in my personality and character that are weak and do not align with my spiritual goals. Mature me with your Spirit and correct me with your truth. Use my spiritual friends, your shepherds, and holy discipline to lead me in your everlasting way. I want my influence to be a blessing to those you have placed around me. I invite the Holy Spirit to mold and shape me, refine and transform me so that I can become more JESUShaped.* In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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* Our goal as believers should be to become remade by grace into people more like Jesus — Luke 6:40; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:28-29.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.