Be Kind To Everyone? Really?

Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?Romans 2:4 NLT

 I often have heard those I know to be followers of Christ saying they can't stand someone, or worse yet say they hate them. Maybe they call them derogatory names. In this time of political unrest and breakdown of our countries laws you may be tempted to utter those words, that you hate someone but instead try to pray for them. This is very hard when a person intentionally is doing harm or evil.

Is there a difficult or mean spirited person in your life or do you have trouble showing love to those who perpetrate evil deeds? Try uttering a prayer for those whose hearts are bent on evil. Ask that they turn from darkness to light.

Don't talk ugly about your fellow man whether or not you feel endeared to them or not. Ask for the strength to love the unlovable.

 PRAYER: Only you Lord can help release hate from hearts that are prone to darkness and evil. Help me never stoop to the level of putting down others, making fun of them, or wishing evil on them. Instead help me humble myself and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LESS THAN HONEST

 

Lately in our news we have heard the terms thrown around "less than honest", "not 100% truthful" or "misspoke " in regards to the public not being told the whole truth in regards to the new healthcare law. These terms sugarcoat the sin of lying. A lie, is a lie, is a lie. You can say to make it sound better " less than honest" but it is still a lie. Satan is the original liar and Father of lies it says in John 8:44.

Lying or being "less than honest" seems to have been made acceptable in our modern world. It is not more acceptable to God. You can be forgiven for being a liar if you sincerely repent and turn from this sin. Yes folks "being less than honest" is in fact a sin.

The Bible has much to say about lying. The first place most people run into it is in the Ten Commandments in Exodus Chapter 20 verse 16. In Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV) it says 'There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness we who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.'

Revelation 21:8(ASV) is pretty clear when it says 'But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.' A lake of fire. Ouch. No my friend, lying is wrong. If this is your habit ask God to help you purge it from your life.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be truthful in all areas of my life. I do not want to stretch the truth, tell "white lies" or any thing that is not true. The truth is what you want. I clearly know from your word what happens to those who make it a practice to lie and I ask you to forgive me of any time I have been "less than truthful" which is lying. Help our leaders who take an oath on the Bible start to take it seriously. In Jesus' name. Amen.