TOPIC: Christ-Inspired Response
SCRIPTURE: But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil (Luke 6:35)
TODAY’S MESSAGE: RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 24TH AUGUST 2020
Have you ever been ill-treated? I believe many of us, at one time or the other have suffered some sort of ill-treatment or injustice. But how God expects us to respond in such a situation is clear in His Word. He said in
James 5:13 AMPC, “Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray….” How remarkable!
It parallels what Jesus also said in Luke 6:28; He said, God is aware of such situations in our lives where we face persecutions or put up with mistreatments from other people. However, He doesn’t ask us to pity ourselves, complain, or get bitter at those who mistreat us; rather, He tells us to pray!
It’s very tempting to react in the exact opposite when maltreated. Some may even try to retaliate or get back at those mistreating them, and in the process, behave in a way different from who they truly are. Never allow someone else’s bad behaviour change your good conduct, or character.
Perhaps you were nice and loving to someone who in return treated you unfairly. Don’t decide never to show love to anyone else because of the betrayal; that won’t be Christ-like. If you succumb to that, you’ll be allowing someone else’s flawed attitude or poor judgement control your character.
The question you should ask yourself is this: “Was it right for me to have helped and shown love?” If it was right, then keep doing what’s right. That way, you protect your spirit from unhealthy infiltrations and deny the devil the opportunity of a traction in your life.
READ: Streams in the Desert Devotional 24 August 2020 – Grow in the Gloom
No matter how you’re treated, maintain the Christ-attitude. He said, “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee…love ye your enemies, and do good…and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:28-35)
TODAY’S PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the ability to do right and display your goodness and love to all. I walk in righteousness and dispense your blessings to my world. Through me, many come to know your truth and embrace your righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 6:28-35 AMPC; Matthew 5:38-45 TPT
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 9; Psalms 128-134
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Colossians 2:8-15; Jeremiah 9
Prayer of Salvation: We trust you have been blessed by this devotional. We invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by praying thus:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
Congratulations! You are now a child of God. To receive more information on how you can grow as a Christian.
Rhapsody of Realities 24 August 2020 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos, Nigeria.