Thursday Reflection February 17, 2022

Experience not Deduction

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31‭-‬32‭ https://bible.com/bible/2016/jhn.8.31-34.NRSV

Greetings friends,

Matt Skinner, a professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Minnesotsa, in commenting on these verses stated, “Experience, not Deduction”. We only truly become disciples of Christ if we remain in the words of Jesus. It is the amount of time we spend in the words of Jesus that will make us know the truth. It’s not how smart we are or our ability to deduce.

Jesus was speaking to the Jews earlier in the chapter. Jesus told them that he is the light of the world. Whoever follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. This statement by Jesus triggered a debate between Jesus and the Jews about being his own testimony. Jesus responded to say that the Father also testifies on his part. After much explaining, we’re told many believed in him. It is then he made the statement mentioned in verses 31 and 32.

As we analyse the verses we realized some important points made by Jesus. After the Jews believed, Jesus told them that they had to continue in his word to truly be His disciples. WOW!!! Simply saying you believe in Jesus is not enough. When we accept Jesus we believe in his words, but after accepting him, we have to CONTINUE in his word to TRULY become His disciple. This is what Jesus pointed out to the Jews who believed and this is what he points out to us even now.

The other point Jesus made is that if you continue in his word you will know the truth. Truth is not relative or dependent on one’s culture. Truth is the full knowledge of God through Jesus. Skinner puts it this way, “in this Gospel, “truth” does not refer to the opposite of falsehood; it is knowledge of God as revealed in Jesus’ own self. Knowing this “truth” is knowing God, God made present in Jesus, who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (14:6). Jesus makes this clear in 8:36, when he substitutes “the Son” for “the truth,” saying that the Son makes people free.”

All this knowledge of God doesn’t come at once, that is why Jesus says, “IF” you CONTINUE in His word. The reality is many say they believe, but not many continue in His word, hence they do not truly know Jesus. That is why Experience outweighs Deduction. We become experience the more we do something. The more time that we spend doing a particular job, is the more experience and knowledge you’ll get. So the more time you spend in the Word of God, it is the more experience you become. But let me be clear, going to church for years DO NOT make you experience in Jesus. What it does is make you an experienced church goer, but not experienced with Jesus. Therefore, the time must be spent with Jesus.

There is one last point I want to make from this text. The truth will make you free. What are we being freed from? The answer is sin. The more time we spend in the Word of God and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, is the less we’ll sin. Sin is a bondage and holds us captive. The only way to truly be free from it is if we continue to abide in Jesus. It is by spending time with Jesus that we become experience in Jesus and Jesus will teach us the truth that will free us from sin. Book knowledge is not what makes us free. It is continuing, living, abiding, being convicted by the teachings of Jesus and growing in the knowledge of Jesus that cause us to be free from living in sin.

So until next week let us choose to continue in the words and teachings of Jesus.

Shalom
Christopher Euphfa

Don’t Be A Fool

To be is fool is to be considered unwise, senseless or to lack judgment. Biblically, the fool is someone who disrespects, disobeys and disregards God’s words. One who is comfortable in their folly, that is, a fool, has no interest in the truth. In fact a fool will scorn, laugh at and turn away from truth. Such persons will not take kindly to the advice of others because in their own eyes, very often their eyes alone, they are all wise, have all the answers and can solve any problem that may arise. Fools are often so caught up in their own sense of knowledge and self-worth that they cannot believe in a wiser higher power than their own understanding. Thus the Watchword for today cautions us to not be fools and deny the existence of God. Fools say in their heart “There is no God”. Psalm 14: 1

Fools speak folly to themselves first, then to others. The text says that a ‘fool says in his heart’. In other words, this is how the foolish person thinks to himself or herself. He determines in his heart, that is, he convinces himself, regardless of the weakness of his rationale, begins to act the part (or to act the fool), then he sets out to convince others. Such behavior is not surprising. In Gen 6: 12 God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. It is from corrupt hearts and minds that corrupt theories come. It is the corruption of the heart that leads to the follies of humanity. It is for this reason that we are implored: Don’t be a fool.

If we are not to be considered fools, then our words and actions must show wisdom. Wisdom is God’s gift to us. James 1: 5 encourages us: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. We do not need wisdom as in head knowledge, but wisdom as in heart knowledge. Wisdom of the mind can be attained through the study of the many human disciplines, but wisdom of the heart, godly wisdom, is what God gives to us when we ask. Many travel a path of their own choosing, thinking it is the wisest choice available to them. They do this because they are living life on their own terms. Proverbs 16: 25 warns us: There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. What we truly need is not our own way, but God’s way. Humanity’s way is the way of irrationality, the way of pride, the way of selfishness, but God’s way is the way of wisdom, the way of insight, the way of knowledge and understanding. In every step of our life journey, may we choose God’s way above ours, for ‘man’s way lead to a hopeless end while God’s way lead to an endless hope’. Don’t be a fool my friend. Amen.

Monday Reflection – February 14, 2022

Steadfast Heart of Praise

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Psalm 108:1

It is widely believed that Psalm 108 is a compilation of sections from two other Psalms. Psalm 108:1-5 is very similar to Psalm 57:7-11, and verses 6-13 is almost identical to Psalm 60:6-12. This suggests that the inspired words of David are taken and applied to a present challenge. Verses 9-13 speak of enemies – Moab, Edom, and Philistia (with the emphasis on Edom). It may be that the old foe, subdued earlier in David’s day, rose again and Israel must defeat her again. In this Psalm, David shows how we can and should use the words of Scripture as our present prayers and praises, suitable to our present situation.

David expresses his earnest nature of praise to God in this Psalm. So he begins with the words of today’s Watchword, declaring the steadfastness of his heart and his fervent commitment to sing and make melody, and awake his soul. David’s steadfast confidence in God gave him a fixed point from which he could and would sing and give praise. In this verse David voices his heart’s deep passion to praise God with the best of his being. Whatever glory belonged to David, he directed it toward God in praise. Not surprising in verse 2, he speaks of awaking the lute and harp. His earnest praise offered to God was musical. David was a skilled musician, and it could be said that this skill was part of his glory – so he offered it to God in praise. Today’s text prompts the questions, are we steadfast in our praise to God? Does God receive the best of our being in praise? Do we take any glory for ourselves, or is all of the glory directed to God? Is all of our skill, accomplishments, talents and gifts offered to God for God’s glory and use?

David also says in verse 2 that he will awaken the dawn. David was determined to give God the best in praise, so he gave to God the choicest part of the day. David let the sound of his praise greet the dawn as it rose in the wee hours of the morning. Charles Spurgeon asserts that, “Some singers had need to awake, for they sing in drawling tones, as if they were half asleep; the tune drags wearily along, there is no feeling or sentiment in the singing, but the listener hears only a dull mechanical sound…. Oh, choristers, wake up, for this is not a work for dreamers, but such as requires your best powers in their liveliest condition.” In other words, our praise to God must not be dragging on with lack of enthusiasm and fulsome effort, and with miserable boredom, merely going through the rituals. God must receive the best of ourselves, our singing, our praise, our focus, our attention, our time, at all times.   

Our praise to God ought to be out of a heart of steadfastness or a fixed heart. If we want God to be pleased with our worship, then it demands surrendering our lives to God. It requires us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. It demands loving God completely; anything less can determine acceptance or rejection of our praise. Our praise of God ought to be driven by our passionate and sincere love for God. Without love for God, our praise is empty; without a desire to please God in all we do, our praise is useless. Yet, as we contemplate love for God, we must equally consider our love for each other. So, without love for God and others, our praise is empty. On this day when we celebrate love, let’s consider the nature of our love for God and others. We should ask ourselves, do our lives and decisions reflect a fixed heart; a person fixed on pleasing God? Let’s reflect.

Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 12 February 2022

“My mouth is filled with your praise and with your glory all day long.” Psalm 71:8

It is becoming more and more evident to us, my brothers and sisters, that we cannot ever take a day, a moment, or even small mercies for granted. What we continue to experience around us, must continually lead to the throne of grace, in gratitude and with praise. We are alive and well, if not 100%, there is still life, health, and God’s goodness that we encounter on a daily basis, enough to tune our song that “God is good, All the time and All the time, God is good!”

The watchword for today, comes from a prayer as the Psalmist seeks to commit himself into the Lord’s watchful care, and asks God to be his comfort and strength. We are all too familiar with this prayer, and the stance taken by the Psalmist as he encounters disaster, and in his prayer, celebrates God who has journeyed with him from birth, and that God would rescue Him from danger, that God would show himself to be God in his circumstances, that the Psalmist would never be put to shame.

But the Psalmist in prayer for God’s divine protection, often gives praise to God who has continued to keep him. That through all the stages of life, and all the seasons of life, in his recognition of God’s great keeping, guidance and protection, is led to acknowledge God’s providence and to glorify him all day long. Over the past few months, we have continued to encounter the devastating state our world is in, and though it may leave many of us disheartened and wanting to succumb in this state, even as we reflect on our own role in shining the light of Christ in the darkness, today’s reflection leads us to pause on God’s goodness in our life, God’s grace and mercy that has brought us through, His blessings upon us that transcends even the things of this world. The hymnwriter says “… Riches eternal and blessings supernal from His precious hand I received.” These things that will surely lead us back to that throne of grace with gratitude and thanksgiving to our Guiding and Benevolent God.

You see friends, God has been good to us, and even as the Psalmist seeks God’s divine guidance and protection, he has not forgotten how good God has been to him. He has not forgotten God’s mercies, and He does not approach God as if God has never done anything for him. He acknowledges his Heavenly Father, who is not only God, but a good God whose mercies never fail. And I believe my brothers and sisters, that if we adopt this stance, we will truly encounter God as we reflect on his goodness in our own lives. We may pause to count our blessings, or just recognize the hand of God amidst the disaster around us, and there I am certain that we are in a better position to trust God and to shine the light of Christ in the darkness.

For that light only shines within us, when we have surrendered to God’s will and way, and in recognition and gratitude, allowed ourselves to be immersed in praise and celebration of the goodness of God. And it is this recognition and stance, that invigorates our worship, and gives meaning to our testimony. Our hope in God is strengthened by experiencing God’s goodness which strengthens our resolve, that God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, will continue to work all things together for good, even in this world, and for eternity. This will assure us of God’s presence that is with us, from whom we are led, and given the courage and strength to lead others. Let us pause, my brothers and sisters, immersing ourselves in the very presence of God, to reflect on God’s goodness, rolling back the curtains as the songwriter says, that we may be lead in worship, and that prayer would come from a place of faith and trust in God, “… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6b, KJV) Then will our song be sincere, our testimony will have life and meaning, and the light of Christ in us, will shine bright to eradicate the darkness, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34, NIV)

Until next week, may the light of God surround us, may the love of God enfold us, may the power of God protect us, may the presence of God watch over us, for where we are God is, and all is well! So how can we keep from singing? Amen.

Friday Reflection February 11, 2022

Good morning everyone, our text for reflection is St. John chapter 14:23.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23 NIV
https://john.bible/john-14-23

In this verse Jesus was answering the question asked in the verse before. One of the disciples had asked ” what do you mean you will show yourself to us and not to the world?” In answering said question, Jesus made two very important statements.

1. If a man love me, he will obey my teachings

This is the condition necessary for us as believers in order to see the manifestation of God. We cannot see/ experience/ understand Jesus if we are disobedient to his teachings! Without the spirit of love, we are unable to experience Jesus in the way he intends for us to. In other words, we have a part to play! It is our duty to do the will of God through Jesus Christ here on earth and to keep his commandment as far as is possible! The surest evidence of our love to Christ is obedience to his teachings. We cannot say we love God and we are not keeping his commandments.

In answering the question Jesus went on to say:

2. My father will love them, and we will come into them and make a home with them Let’s break this down, if you keep my commandments my Father (God) will love you! AND…. We (Jesus and God) will come into you and make a home (dwelling place) with you!

Many believers (saved) and even unbelievers ( unsaved) will say “God is with me” however, it is not just so so so as we Jamaicans would say. In order for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to live within you , you must keep his commandments! That is not just going to church on a Sunday and paying your tithes and offerings! It’s loving your neighbor as yourself, it’s visiting the sick and shut , showing Kindness to all people and feeding the poor etc…

Final thoughts

Those who love Christ, and have the Holy Spirit, will adhere to His commands. This is what allows us to “see” God, and to know Him. The more love you have for Christ the more you will experience and understand Him and his will for your life.
God bless you all, have a great weekend!

Shaneka Raymore Euphfa

Dominion & Power

His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and to the ends of the earth. Zachariah 9:10

Greetings friends, today’s watchword bids us to reflect on a time in history; much similar to present day.

The people, God’s chosen people, the Israelites, returned from exhile after King Cyrus of Persia granted them permission to leave. What they returned to was a place of ruin and devastation. Their homeland had been destroyed by invading armies and the city as well as the temple were demolished. Their family members and friends, their neighbors had either been kilked or taken away to other foreign lands.

Imagine for one second, how these people first felt having been granted their release, imagine their longing for their home whilst held captive, think about the journey back to their homeland and consider how they felt upon getting to their destination. I think their emotions would have been all over the place. I think there was disappointment, anguish, fear of the unknown, joy short lived and also arguable cause for many to abandon their faith.

Zachariah was literally tasked with talking some sense into the people. Knowing the Israelites, it was not easy. He prophesied to the discouraged Israelites, announcing that a change had come for God’s people. He impressed upon them the importance of not only rebuilding the temple but also rededicating their lives to the Lord.

Friends, how much ruin have we known in our time? How much devastation have you witnessed? And since through Christ, our bodies have become temples, what shall or have we done with the ruins? Has our faith wavered?

The New Testament text reminds us thus, God gave Jesus the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under earth. Phillipians 2:9-10

Brothers and sisters, the Lord our God remains in control, Zachariah’s encouragement focussed on a reversal of God’s judgement, but also called for a reversal of the people’s behavior. He foretold Jesus’ coming but reminded the people and us of God’s complete control and sovereignty.

If you today have seemingly been released from exhile and have had to return to ruins be encouraged because God is not slack concerning His promises. He who brought you out is faithful and able to restore and to keep you. Stand fast and do not waver in your faith.

Amen

Kerone Lamoth

Keep The Faith

Today’s watchword is from Isaiah 51: 7. Do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they revile you. Here the prophet is looking ahead to the time when the Children of Judah would be captured and carried away to exile in Babylon. The Lord seeks to assure them even before it takes place and to comfort them while they experience this tragedy of oppression. They were not to be afraid neither were they to lose hope. They were to keep the faith.

Fear and dismay destroy the comfort and confidence we have in serving and hoping in God. Fear comes in the face of danger, whether this is actual or perceived. Dismay is ‘a sudden or complete loss of courage or firmness in the face of trouble or danger.’ (Dictionary meaning) Dismay is being terrified, it is the sinking of the heart or spirit that leaves one completely helpless. The Lord is telling His people not to be fearful in the presence of the Babylonians. Not to let their condition sap them of their hope in God. He is encouraging them and us, not to become so terrified of their situation that they forget who their God is. Fear and dismay can blind us to the reality of the power of God to change our situations. Thus, God’s people are encouraged not to fear the reproach of others. Reproach are deceptive remarks that have the power to hurt or insult while not appearing to do so. To revile, on the other hand, is to ‘cuss out’ someone. While the language of reproach may be veiled, there is no doubt in the language of reviling. It’s telling in no uncertain terms with the harshest and most unkind words.

Words are powerful. They can make or break us. No wonder the Children of Judah were told from early, not to let what they hear destroy their spirits. Even so however, this is what happened to them. We read about it in Psalm 137. The Babylonians mocked them, ‘our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”’ This mocking drove them to silence. ‘How can we sing the songs of the Lord in a strange land?’ The words of today’s text are as relevant to us today as it was to God’s people then. In times of tribulation and affliction, we should not lose heart, we should not lose hope, rather we should become more firmly rooted in our faith for the God who has faithfully kept us to this point in our existence will be true to His promises. He will keep us until He presents us before His Father in glory. When we are obedient to the Lord and His way, we do not have to be afraid. The entire verse in the New Living Translation says: ‘Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.’ Why should we be unafraid? It is because God promises in the next verse that those who dare to insult God, or the people of God, will meet their own bitter end. In due time they will reap their bitterness. We in the meantime, are to keep the faith.

As I close, let us remember that Jesus did warn us in John 15: 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” You are not the first and you won’t be the last. There is good news for us too. 1 Peter 4: 14 tells us, If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. We will attract the insults and hatred of the world because of the Spirit of God at work in us, but let us be Christlike in our response. Again Peter guides us with the example of Christ. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2: 23. Let others say what they will but let us hold fast to our faith in God, let us keep the faith. Amen.

Monday Reflection – February 07, 2022
God’s Safety and Security

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge. Psalm 91:4

In a nation where crime and violence is prevalent and racing out of control, there is the growing cry for action to ensure the security of us all. In a world where war exists and there is the ever-present threat of more war, humanity’s safety and security can hardly be guaranteed. Safety and security is one of our basic human needs as humans. Based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the most basic is our physiological needs including food and water, sufficient rest, clothing and shelter, overall health, and reproduction. Next is our safety needs including protection from violence and theft, emotional stability and well-being, health security, and financial security. Thus, there is the real and deep-seated need for safety and security on the part of us as humans.

The Psalmist in chapter 91 provides an answer for our lack of security and safety. For David, there is true security in trusting in the almighty God, and those who dwell under the shelter of our God and Saviour are shielded and protected under the shadow of His wing. He is our Safeguard and our strong Shield! He is our Defence and our almighty Defender. We can positively affirm that the Lord is our Refuge and our Fortress. The Psalmist is using the metaphor of a bird with his mother. God is the protective mother who feeds, nurtures, and protects her young. The image is meant to invoke safety and warmth when we dwell in God. In his shelter, he will cover us with his feathers and we will find refuge. God is our protector because he is faithful. Our relationship with him always rests on his unfailing faithfulness. There is no other place for the Christian to look for refuge. There is nowhere safer to be than in the arms of the Father. To come under his wings to find refuge would mean looking to him in prayer, looking to his word to see how to live, and then living out his commands, acknowledging his presence the whole way.

The Lord is likened to a bird whose wings of protection overshadow us and whose strong-arm guards us when danger approaches or when we are overcome by the heat of the day or the perils of the night. We can boast that the Lord our God is our never-failing help in time of trouble, and that His abiding faithfulness has become our shield and protection. We know that the cruel enemy comes as a roaring lion and morphs into a snake in the grass, seeking by every means to attack, injure, harm, and discourage God’s children. We know that the devil is a liar and murderer who deceives the world and seeks to shipwreck the faith of all God’s children. But God has promised to cover us with His pinions and provide refuge under His wings. God has promised to protect us from harm and danger, to protect our minds from discouragement and despair, and to safeguard our hearts with His perfect peace. What tremendous security is ours, for we are kept under His protective wings and covered with His pinions.

Yet, we must remind ourselves that God’s safety and security is ours not because of own merit, but because of His goodness and grace. It is nothing to do with our own worthiness or virtue that we are furnished with such heavenly privileges, but it is entirely founded on His unswerving fidelity and His never-ending faithfulness towards the children of men. Indeed, God’s grace and mercies are new every morning and His promises never fail. Let’s place our entire lives and complete trust in God who provides the safety and security that we always need.

Jermaine Gibson 

Saturday Reflection – 05 February 2022

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.” Psalm 33:12

Last week, we spent a moment to reflect on the many challenges that we face as a people; the things that leave us frustrated, perturbed, and despondent. And it seems that since then, as almost to rub salt into the wounds, we hear of more incidents of disaster and destruction, and are left to wonder, what condition is our nation in, at this time. But even as we reflect on this question, the Psalmist in today’s watchword, reflects on the goodness of God, and spends the time to describe God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and kindness, all for which we are called to rejoice.

In his reflection on these things, we hear in verses 8-11 “Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (KJV) Almighty God is in control of the world and all its inhabitants, and will move in accordance with His heart and character, to fulfil His sovereign will and purpose. We serve a good God, who has purposed to bless His people. With that thought, we encounter our watchword. The songwriter says: “All the other gods, they are the works of men, but You are the most High God, there is none like You.” With all of this goodness, God’s sovereignty, and faithfulness that the Psalmist describes, I believe that he makes clear, that we will experience these mercies once we stay connected to the Vine. It is not just for us as individuals, but the nation who will be faithful to God will ever find God faithful to them.

For every time God’s chosen people wandered from God and did evil in God’s sight, they encountered disaster and eventually was overthrown, led away in captivity into Assyria and Babylon. When they served God faithfully, they and all that they did prospered, and the word of God was evident in their lives, that “if God is for us, then who can be against us?” Nowadays, we can certainly identify with the many ways we deviate from God’s precepts and principles as a people, the things that we ought to detest as God’s people, that we’ve accepted and even begun to normalize. The times when we were concerned with ourselves, and our own circle, and have not spent the time to concern ourselves with the mandate of Christ, that His transforming gospel would reach the whole world. It is interesting that as the people sought to return to their homeland amidst the mess around them that word of God to them was “… seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7 NIV)

In the midst of the mess around us, the answer, I believe, brothers and sisters, is stated for us clearly in today’s watchword. But it takes more than just mere acknowledgement, mere lip service, while our hearts remain far from God. We must take the time to reflect, to repent and to shine the light of Christ within us. There is just something about the transforming power of Christ, but others will never know it, our nation will never experience it, if there is no one who will commit to speak of it, to teach it and to show it. For when one light ignites the other, that light will ignite another, and another, and another and soon the whole world will be lit. The idols will come down, reverence will become worship and obedience, and we will all be able to sing of the goodness of God in the land of the living.

Until next week, we are called not to shrink in fear and anguish but to be wise yet active. Active in our prayer and call upon God for divine intervention, and active as children of God in being genuine, intentional, and committed to His way and in sharing Jesus’ love and way of living that the darkness may turn to dawning, and the dawning to noon-day bright, as Christ’s great kingdom will come on earth, the kingdom of love and light. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair

Friday Reflection February 4, 2022

One Family Under God

Good morning friends!
Happy Friday!
Happy Black History Month!

Today’s text for reflection is Romans 12:10, it reads: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 NIV
https://romans.bible/romans-12-10

Here in Romans 12, Paul is explaining what it means to live as an unselfish Christian. In the verse before this one he expressed that our love as believers in Christ for one another must be real and evident!

In our text for reflection, Paul is making reference to loving one another as a form of devotion to a brother or sister. Many times he explained in different letters to the churches that we MUST LOVE each other with a brotherly affection What does that mean? For the most part, family is a unit that looks out for each other in a way where siblings (brothers and sisters) will do anything and everything to protect each other. Paul is saying here, that it is the same type of affection we as believers must have towards each other.

We that are in Christ Jesus are really brothers and sisters. God adopts us as His children! Making us apart of His family. This family is made up of everyone who accepts God’s Grace and salvation. Brothers and sisters, of course, we don’t always get it right! We don’t always get along well! We are no different from most blood related families. However, the same level of shared loyalty and devotion to one another is expected!

Paul went on to talk about how we should treat each other in realation to showing honor! It was said that as a family in Christ, we should outdo one another in showing honor to each other

Can you just imagine how wonderful things would be if we take this verse and put it into practice? Everybody wudda always feel gud Inna God! Christians in the body of Christ would always feel deeply honored by others and would never be satisfied that we are honoring one another enough. It would be like a form of motivation to continue asking, “How can I show more honor to you than you showed to me?” What a beautiful thing! We would all be taken care of by each other!

As I wrap up, I just wanna say to us as children of the light, love one another! Treat each other well!

Blessings!
Shaneka Raymore Euphfa