Although the Word instructs us to "do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, …and to regard one another as more important than ourselves," trivial complaints within the body of Christ abound, reflecting demeanor far from the selfless, humble, considerate example set by our Lord. We too often spend our time fretting over minutia, over that which should not capture a single thought, let alone consume us. Tragically, "rather than conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ," we, though we call ourselves Christians, all too frequently act like ungodly persons, biting and de ..read more

What person likes being demeaned? None with a sound mind, I would guess. Therefore, our natural retort is often quick and sharp when we perceive others are mocking or abusing us. After all, does not our pride cry out, “Who do they think they are?” Does not our self-respect demand that we defend ourselves? The world answers with a resounding, “Yes,” but we need not follow the lead of those living in futility and dissention. Rather, the Spirit of the living God empowers us to turn from the world’s senseless, harmful patterns and follow the amazing example of Jesus Christ, our Lord ..read more

Fly away with the Lord to a place above turmoil and strife, to a place where He resides. He will lead you to this haven if you will set yourself apart for Him, giving Him first place, dedicating yourself to praising, knowing, and obeying Him. He will dwell with you and surround you with His glory if you will love Him above all else and love others as yourself, blessing them rather than cursing them, forgiving them all wrongs, upholding them ..read more

Christ’s love compels those aspiring to be His disciples to live not merely for themselves, but to live for Him, and in living for Him, to live for others. As we experience the kindness and grace of Christ toward us, we can no longer blindly serve only ourselves, and our families as extensions of ourselves, but rather we are constrained to serve the precious souls the Lord brings across our paths and to regard their needs over our own. It is not enough that our actions are moral, lawful, and justifiable. For Christ calls us to a higher standard, requiring us to act in ways that are profitable ..read more

While none would deny that the solitary life is uncluttered, leaving its master’s house in perfect order with no one to disrupt things or consume what one has set aside for personal use, the isolated person forfeits the joy people bring into a home ..read more

Bathed in wisdom and righteousness, our words can heal deep wounds. Spoken in kindness at a God-ordained moment, they can change the course of a life, bringing out an untapped talent or turning a person away from a destructive path. Enriched with understanding and discernment, they can cut through a blinding fog and set a clear course for one incapacitated by indecision ..read more

In our folly and to our shame, "wisdom" sometimes rushes forth from our lips before we have even heard what another has to say. Our intentions may be good, but the result may be that we, after congratulating ourselves on the magnanimity of our willingness to provide invaluable free counsel, leave a troubled heart still searching for a loving ear and a comforting shoulder ..read more

God has not lessened His people?"s dependency upon each other in this current age, for He has interwoven into our lives those whom He would have help and instruct us when we grow faint or go astray. In the same manner, we are to help and instruct others according to the Holy Spirit?"s leading. Look around ..read more

Though the basic principles of being a good listener are easily discernible, many of us too often ignore them since our love of talking crushes our desire to serve the one speaking, but by God’s grace, we are not hopeless cases.  As we seek to put ourselves aside, the Lord will place a crown of loving-kindness and compassion on our heads and make us worthy to wear this holy adornment with honor and faithfulness. He will enable us to listen with the heart of Christ to those in need of a friendly ear and silent lips.  ..read more

Be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and extend yourself in kindness.  Become a holy encourager, always seeking occasions to lift another’s spirits by extending Jesus’ love.  Reach into the deep reservoir the Lord has filled with goodness and loving-kindness ..read more