₦airaland Forum

daboy18:
Hmmm beating my mum never i cannot try that , not even in my dream sorry this your advice is not good

correct man

Jesu

What do you see? (2)

Wed, 28 Dec 2022

‘I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ Isaiah 43:19

Your life will manifest what you continually keep in front of you. Paul says, ‘We have the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV), and creativity and vision are part of the package. You need a vision to look forward to if you want to change the circumstances in your life. If you have problems, you’re in debt, or lonely, create a vision for what you’d like your life to be. See yourself stronger and healthier, in a good financial position, in a wonderful relationship. Once you’ve created a vision, you need to take steps to move towards making it a reality. You need to change the way you think. Let the image of victory take hold. Remind yourself of these Scriptural truths:

(1) ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

(2) ‘We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.’ (Romans 8:37 NIV)

(3) ‘Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with your favour.’ (Psalm 5:12 NIV)

(4) ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;’ (Psalm 23:6 NKJV).

In Bible times wine was stored in leather wineskins, but as the wineskins aged, they lost their flexibility. New wine always required new wineskins. And just as ‘you can’t pour new wine into old wineskins’ (see Matthew 9:17), God can’t give you a new vision until you change the old attitudes you’re carrying around in your head.

God says, ‘I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ He is ready to do something new in your life today. Are you ready to change your old way of thinking and make room for it?

What do you see? (1)

Tue, 27 Dec 2022

‘Look up into the sky and count the stars, if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ Genesis 15:5

Vision is the God-given ability to see the invisible. Without it, people stumble all over themselves. When God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations, he and Sarah were old and childless. Naturally speaking, it looked impossible. So, God took Abram outside and told him to look up into the sky and try to count the stars. God told Abram that’s how many descendants he would have. It wasn’t enough to hear what God said: Abraham needed to see it in his mind’s eye. And although the promise wasn’t fulfilled for years, every night when Abraham looked up at the heavens, the stars were a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness.

To give birth to something, you must first conceive it by seeing it through the eyes of faith and burning the image on the canvas of your mind. Jesus said, ‘If your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.’ (Matthew 6:22–23 NASB)

Legend has it, that when Michelangelo looked at a chunk of marble the owner told him was worthless, Michelangelo said, ‘It’s priceless to me. There is an angel locked inside, and I must set it free.’ What you see will change the direction of your life. Like a thermostat, it dictates how high you rise or how low you fall. And the good news is, no matter how dark things look on the outside, today God can give you a fresh vision and a new future.

Love Your Church—Jesus Does!

Mon, 26 Dec 2022

‘Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.’ Ephesians 5:25

The church isn’t made up of people who are better than everybody else. It’s made up of people who want to be better than they are, and who know that, by the grace of God, they can be. Have church leaders sometimes failed us? Yes, but Jesus Christ, the Head of the church, hasn’t failed us—and He never will! Christ’s church, of which your local church is a part, was planned by God before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). It was paid for in the crimson cash of Jesus’ blood and has been sustained through history by the sacrifice of the martyrs. It is prophesied to be more glorious in its ending than its beginning and is being prepared right now as a bride for her Husband. John the Revelator describes it this way: ‘Rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ (Revelation 19:7 NKJV) So before you attack the leadership, withdraw your membership or withhold your stewardship, remember that nothing on earth is dearer to the heart of God than His church. The truth is, when you hurt any part of the body you also hurt the Head. And here’s something else to keep in mind: the only thing on earth that has a future is the church; all the rest is going up in smoke. And the church’s insurance policy is guaranteed by Jesus Himself, Who said, ‘I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’ (Matthew 16:18 NKJV) So love your church—Jesus does!

Olaolex:
I understand how you feel sir. If one should act according to what we pass through in this country, we might end up saying what we ought not to say. They are just making everything hard for the commoners

exactly Ola.

Merry Christmas my brother.

Olaolex:
You posted this by 6:18am nah... Fear God oo

sorry jare..... it's so annoying what people are passing through in the country now. Say people like us can manage, what about the weak and the less previledge.

Aareakinwunmi:
All this clout chasers, 10000 bags nko, bags wey fit no reach 50bags.

at least she has/still doing something. It's impressive.

......and as I've not eating anything this morning, may the Lord punish all of them in Jesus name. As all the plans of the evil one is to continue to milk this country dry. For Emefiele,...the hardship you are putting this country through now, may the Lord serves you & your household folds in Jesus name.

God’s gift is indescribable!

Sun, 25 Dec 2022

‘Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.’ 2 Corinthians 9:15

Paul says that the gift God gave each of us that first Christmas is indescribable. The Living Bible says it’s too wonderful for words. Consider this: Isaiah says, ‘Unto us, a Child is born, unto us, a Son is given.’ (Isaiah 9:6 KJV) Jesus was both God and man. As a child, He was born, but as the Son of God, He could only be given, because He always existed.

So, He is the perfect solution to our sin problem because He understands both the claims of divinity and the struggles of humanity. Today let’s examine this indescribable gift.

First, He is our mediator! Job said, ‘Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand upon us both.’ (Job 9:33 NKJV) A mediator is someone who was more than just an umpire; they could actually join the game and bring both sides together. So, when you mess up, Jesus keeps one hand on you and the other on God so that the connection is never broken.

Second, He is our intercessor! The Bible says, ‘He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.’ (Hebrews 7:25 NIV) If you had to remember and confess all the sins of omission and commission you commit each day, you would never sleep; you would live on your knees. But Christ’s death covers all the wrong you have done, and His life covers all the good you have left undone. So, He is fully qualified to represent you before the throne of God. God’s gift is indescribable.

Your provision is on the way!

Sat, 24 Dec 2022

‘Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’ Matthew 2:11

The Bible tells us: ‘When Jesus was born in Bethlehem… [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east… and have come to worship Him.” …and behold, the star… went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was… And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshipped Him. Then opening their treasure bags, they presented to him gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh.’ (Matthew 1:11 AMPC)

We all remember the Christmas story of how the Wise Men followed a star that led them to the Holy Child, and they worshipped Him, laying before Him precious gifts. Mary and Joseph didn’t go out seeking gifts. Although they were forced to spend the night in a stable, they didn’t send out messages asking for gifts. But because they were in the middle of God’s will, He sent them Wise Men on camels, loaded with provisions. If we are in the will of God, He will bring our provision to us. We don’t have to try to chase it down; it will seek us out. We don’t have to try to make things happen; God will bring them to us. We can only expect provision by being faithful to where God has placed us. When we begin to believe this, we are free to cast our care upon Him. We don’t have to stay up all night fretting and worrying.

........he looks presidential.

Weederness:
Snake right activist go be like........ bala bulu bale, bula bahinali..........

On a serious note; don't kill what you won't eat.

as in seriously?

Nice pictures

When it doesn’t feel like Christmas

Fri, 23 Dec 2022

‘He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.’ Isaiah 61:1

At this time of year, it’s tempting to buy into the myth that everybody else is enjoying a picture-perfect Christmas. The truth is, there are thousands whose lives have been forever altered by death, divorce, sickness, and financial problems.

One woman who was recently divorced described how she got through that first Christmas. ‘It was five days until Christmas day, yet there was no hint of Christmas at my house. Usually, our tree and all the decorations were up at the beginning of the month. The house would be filled with Christmas music and the aromas of Christmas cooking would greet you when you opened the front door. My twenty year marriage had just dissolved. My budget was stretched, and my spirit was downhearted. Some days I could barely get out of bed. My adult children were expecting Christmas dinner as usual. When they came to visit, I heard one of them grumble, “This is really depressing,” and my heart broke again. “I’ll get a tree tomorrow,” I told them half-heartedly. The next day, one of my children took me Christmas shopping. When we got back home, my other children had put up a Christmas tree and all the decorations, including their childhood ornaments. It was beautiful. I was happy and overcome with gratitude that they had gotten together to set everything up for me.’

If you’re having a tough Christmas, don’t beat yourself up. Remember, God will give you strength for the day (see Deuteronomy 33:25). Jesus understands. He came to heal the heartbroken, so turn to Him this Christmas and ask Him to restore your peace and joy.

Worst CBN Governor in the history of Nigeria. Painting our naira in blue! .

Omo k'omo!

Kobojunkie:
Who gave His most precious gift? Where in scripture is this claim of yours to be found?

.....get your Bible and read it very well, that's if you have any?

He gave His most precious possession

Thursday 22nd December 2022

‘Thank God for His gift that is too wonderful for words!’ 2 Corinthians 9:15 CEV

One afternoon a little girl stood outside Pete Richardson’s antique shop studying the treasures in the window. Then she went in and asked to see a string of blue beads. When Pete set them on the counter, she said: ‘They’re perfect. Will you gift wrap them, please? They’re for my sister. She takes care of me. This will be our first Christmas since Mum died, and I’ve been looking for the perfect present.’

‘How much do you have?’ asked Pete cautiously.

Pouring a stack of coins on the counter, she said, ‘I emptied my bank.’

Pete picked up the necklace. The price tag was visible only to him. ‘What’s your name?’ he asked, walking into the back room.

‘Jean Grace,’ she replied. Pete returned with a beautifully wrapped package, and the little girl thanked him and left.

On Christmas Eve when the last customer had left and he was locking up, a young woman rushed into the store and handed him a familiar package. ‘Do you remember who you sold this to?’ she asked.

‘A girl called Jean bought them for her big sister,’ he replied.

‘How much are they worth?’ she inquired.

‘The price,’ Pete replied, ‘is always confidential between the seller and his customer.’

Her sister asked, ‘But how could she pay for them?’

Carefully rewrapping the present, Pete handed it back to her and said, ‘She paid the highest price anyone can ever pay. She gave everything she had.’

When ‘God sent forth His Son’ (Galatians 4:4 KJV) to redeem us, He gave everything He had. ‘Thank God for His gift that is too wonderful for words!’

Speak to the Enemy

Wed, 21 Dec 2022

‘We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil.’ Ephesians 6:12

In her classic book, War on the Saints, Jessie Penn-Lewis writes, ‘The chief condition… for the working of evil spirits in human beings, apart from sin, is passivity.’ That’s why the apostle Peter urges us, ‘Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.’ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) Have you ever seen a hungry lion devour its prey? That’s a picture of what Satan is out to do to you. And he will use things like pleasure, power, pressures, possessions, passions, and people to do it.

Paul tells us to be on guard ‘so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.’ (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT) How can you defend yourself? Neil Anderson says, ‘Our defence against direct attacks by the evil one is to speak aloud God’s truth.’ The Word of God is a sword to protect us against the evil one. (See Ephesians 6:17) So, when you’re in Satan’s crosshairs, remember James 4:7 KJV: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’

Take these two powerful steps: First, talk to God before engaging the Enemy. ‘Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.’ (Psalm 50:15 NKJV)

Second, talk to—but not with—the Enemy. And keep it short and authoritative! ‘Satan, in the irresistible name of Jesus, cease all activity against me now. Leave and don’t return!’

Will he obey? You have submitted and resisted—he has no option.

Let God settle it for you

Tue, 20 Dec 2022

‘Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge.’ Romans 12:19

When someone has hurt or betrayed you, it goes against your grain to resist the instinct for revenge, especially when there is an opportunity to settle the old score and your friends urge you to capitalise on it. Before you decide, consider the story in 1 Samuel 24. King Saul, consumed by jealousy, took every opportunity to try and destroy his God-ordained successor, David. Driven by a desire to eliminate him, Saul took three thousand soldiers to find him and kill him. By divine appointment, Saul stopped to rest in a large cave where David and his men were hiding.

David’s men said, ‘Now is a perfect opportunity to kill him and take the throne.’ Instead, David just cut off a corner of Saul’s robe and showed it to Saul later as evidence he had spared the king’s life. David’s men probably considered his strategy ludicrous, but David lived by a different code—God’s Word! He told his men, ‘Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one?’ (1 Samuel 26:9 NLT) And God hasn’t changed His mind.

The Bible says don’t take revenge. That’s God’s territory—stay out of it! (See Romans 12:17–21.) So, what should you do? Be prepared to act contrary to your instincts! The Bible says, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 12:20–21 NIV) Will that change your enemy? Maybe, and maybe not. But it will change your attitude, and God will bless you for it.

God is enough!

Mon, 19 Dec 2022

‘He gave us His Son—will He not also freely give us all things?’ Romans 8:32

Do you like to collect Bible promises for challenging times? When your collection seems inadequate, do you add to it, thinking, ‘I just haven’t found the right promise yet’? Claiming the promise without understanding the all-sufficiency of the Promiser can disappoint you. Since there is no lack in God, He is all you need. And He is all you will ever need! The Bible says He can do ‘immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.’ (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)

American author, Hannah Whitall Smith, born in 1832 was no stranger to difficult times. For starters, only three of her seven children survived to adulthood. She faced many difficulties and after searching for answers on how to overcome them, and finding none, she turned to God. It was then she discovered that God alone was enough for all her needs! She writes: ‘Once I knew what it was to rest upon the rock of God’s promises, and it was indeed a precious resting place, but now I rest in His Grace. He is teaching me that the bosom of His love is a far sweeter resting place than even the rock of His promises.’

Paul reminds us, ‘Everything is yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.’ (1 Corinthians 3:22–23 CSB) You will get what you need because you are His redeemed child.

King Solomon had said it all in the book of Ecclesiastes. Vanity upon Vanity, all is VANITY!

All you will ever need

Sun, 18 Dec 2022

‘Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.’ Psalm 62:8

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re responsible for mortgage or rent payments, maintenance bills, clothes for the family, escalating food and fuel expenses, university fees, plus the reality of preparing for your retirement! And the pressure is even greater if you’re underemployed or unemployed. Where can you turn? Surrounded by enemies, David turned to God. ‘My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation… I shall not be moved.’ (Psalm 62:5–6 KJV)

Where does your expectation lie? In the hope for an improved economy or job market? Or the promise of better times to come? David’s hope was more certain. He expected the answer to be found in God's unchanging character and faithfulness. When anxiety arises, we sometimes resort to our ‘what if?’ list. We focus on our fears, feel inadequate, and give in to despair.

Being aware of your needs is being responsible but being overwhelmed by them is evidence you’re looking to the wrong source for answers. Some people look to God as their last resource. They only turn to Him when they have nowhere else to go. After they have exhausted themselves and turned to God, they find that instead of the storms of life driving them onto the rocks, they end up in the desired haven.

Remember David? ‘My soul, wait silently for God alone; for my expectation is from Him.’ God is your adequate source. Since He gave us His Son, you have all the evidence you need that He will also ‘freely give us all things.’ (Romans 8:32 GNT)

Who advises you? (2)

Sat, 17 Dec 2022

‘Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.’ Proverbs 15:22

A good mentor does three things. They:

(1) Observe you.

(2) Instruct you.

(3) Motivate you.

At first, the thought of having someone evaluate you may be intimidating. But think about it; people are watching you anyway, so why not have a good adviser among the crowd? Here is a list of some areas where you might invite a mentor to evaluate you. These things are essential: spiritual development, personal discipline, family relationships, decision making, handling finance, conflict resolution, picking the right people, breaking bad habits and establishing good ones, goal setting and planning for the future. If you’re serious about succeeding, look for an environment where you will be mentored, not just paid. Initially, what you learn is more important than what you earn because what you learn early determines what you earn later. What you don’t know can hurt you and limit your potential. You owe it to yourself and to those who depend on you to open the doors to evaluation. And don’t let it stop with you. Pass on what you’ve been given to somebody else.

Jesus said, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ (Matthew 10:8 NIV) You might think you’re too young, and nobody is going to take you seriously, but remember what Paul told Timothy. ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example.’ (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV) You’re not responsible for knowing everything; you’re just responsible for sharing what you know with others. They will advance farther and more quickly as you pour into them what God and others have put into you. So, ask God for a good mentor and then become one for somebody else.

Who advises you? (1)

Fri, 16 Dec 2022

‘Wisdom is found in those who take advice.’ Proverbs 13:10

To succeed in life, you must become a lifelong learner. And learning requires submission; a quality of character we sometimes think doesn’t apply to us. We think submission is just for others who need to be led. Reaching for a good mentor requires a humble heart. If you’re not teachable, your future is already decided! The more you think you know, the less likely you are to place yourself under the influence of those who really know and can help you. This is especially true when you view yourself as more capable, passionate, and talented than others. The wise always seek counsel. If you’re wise, you will acknowledge your limitations; only a fool believes he or she has none. Only the naive are foolish enough to believe they can make all the right decisions without good input. But they can’t.

Here are three Scriptures from the book of Proverbs you need to stop and consider today:

(1) ‘The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.’ (Proverbs 12:15 NIV)

(2) ‘Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.’ (Proverbs 15:22 NIV)

(3) ‘Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.’ (Proverbs 19:20 NIV)

It’s not just what your mentor knows; it’s what they see that makes them valuable to you. They are an extra set of eyes and ears. Why would you want to live without them?

Flee, fight, or forgive

Thu, 15 Dec 2022

‘Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.’ John 13:1

We all handle our relationship problems in one of three ways: flee, fight, or forgive. Some choose to flee. They leave the relationship and start again elsewhere, though they are frequently surprised when the problem resurfaces in the new relationship. Others fight. As a result, their relationships become combative, and stress becomes a way of life. Wise people choose the way of Christ: ‘Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.’ (John 13:1 NKJV)

Was it difficult for Jesus to stay so dedicated to His disciples? Was it difficult for Him to love Peter, knowing he would someday curse Him? Was it tough to trust Thomas, knowing he would someday question His resurrection? How did Jesus resist the urge to recruit a new group of followers? John wanted to crush one enemy, and Peter sliced off the ear of another. Only days before Jesus’ death, His disciples were fighting about which of them was the best!

How was He able to love people who were sometimes difficult to like? The answer is that Jesus didn’t measure them by their looks, IQ, talent, possessions, or personality. He measured them by their potential. And ultimately, they changed and lived up to His expectations. Not in all things or at all times. But when that happened, He forgave them and taught them that love is a commitment we make to ourselves first and then to others.

Believe in what you do

Wed, 14 Dec 2022

‘Showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve.’ Daniel 1:4

When Daniel arrived in Babylon, he was a slave. But he rose to the top. The king gave these orders about those to be brought into the court: ‘Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve.’ (Daniel 1:4 NLT) To be promoted in any job, you must first prove yourself.

The Bible says, ‘Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings.’ (Proverbs 22:29 NIV) Unless you believe in what you’re doing, you won’t give yourself entirely to it; therefore success may be elusive. Have you ever walked into a room and felt love, energy, and excitement? Your thoughts have a presence; they’re like currents moving through the air, capable of drawing people to you or driving them away. That’s why in order to succeed, you must believe in what you do. If you don’t—pray and ask God to relocate you somewhere you can put your whole heart into. Jesus told the woman at the well, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ (John 4:13–14 NIV)

Take the time and make an effort to know your business. Jesus spent time praying in order to renew His understanding of His purpose. So, the word for today is—pray and believe in what you do!

Build people up

Tue, 13 Dec 2022

‘The lips of the godly speak helpful words.’ Proverbs 10:32

How do you feel when someone puts you down? Consider this, so you don’t do it to others. ‘Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.’ (Proverbs 15:4 GNT) You can crush someone with what you say, so be careful. Some of the people you meet each day need an emotional lift, so encourage them. ‘The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate, but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.’ (Proverbs 10:32 CSB)

Don’t be the kind of person who pounces on another person’s weakness. Maybe you do it in a joking way, and you even enjoy it. In the cartoon, Charlie Brown is talking on the phone to a girl who says, ‘Guess what I’m running for? The Queen of the May at our school.’ Charlie Brown says, ‘That’s very interesting. Lucy has always been chosen at our school.’ The girl on the phone responds, ‘Your school has pretty low standards, huh, Chuck?’ After Charlie Brown hangs up, he looks at Lucy and says, ‘She says, “Congratulations!”’ Now, that’s diplomacy!

It’s also supportiveness. How supportive are you? If God gave you a dollar for each kind word you said and took away a dollar for each unkind word you said, would you be wealthy or poor? When the brothers who betrayed Joseph knelt before him in Pharaoh’s palace, he held the power of life and death over them. But he forgave them, was gracious towards them, and promised to take care of them. Supportive words can build a bridge in a strained relationship. So, the word for today is—build people up!

Be sensitive to others

Mon, 12 Dec 2022

‘Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ Philippians 2:4

Often, we are unaware of the other person’s needs in a relationship or friendship. We become calloused. We stop listening. We’re oblivious to the pressure they’re under. Simply stated, the root of many problems in a relationship is insensitivity. Everyone you meet needs kindness. The people who sit around you in church have major hurts; you’re just unaware of them.

We find a great example of sensitivity in the life of King David. David’s friend, Jonathan, Saul’s son, had been killed. Now, safely enthroned for several years, David made a rare request. He asked if anyone was left in Saul’s family that he could help. He discovered Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. When David sent for him, Mephibosheth almost certainly thought he was going to be killed because he was a member of the enemy’s family from the old dynasty. But David said to him, ‘Don’t be afraid… for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ (2 Samuel 9:7 NIV)

Mephibosheth felt like a dog and expected to be treated like one and replied, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’ (2 Samuel 9:8 NIV) One of the dangers of success is that the pressures that accompany it can make you insensitive towards others. David was gracious and sensitive to Mephibosheth’s needs. Ask yourself if there is anyone you need to become more sensitive towards, and then ask the Holy Spirit for help to do it.

Be sensitive to others

Mon, 12 Dec 2022

‘Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’ Philippians 2:4

Often, we are unaware of the other person’s needs in a relationship or friendship. We become calloused. We stop listening. We’re oblivious to the pressure they’re under. Simply stated, the root of many problems in a relationship is insensitivity. Everyone you meet needs kindness. The people who sit around you in church have major hurts; you’re just unaware of them.

We find a great example of sensitivity in the life of King David. David’s friend, Jonathan, Saul’s son, had been killed. Now, safely enthroned for several years, David made a rare request. He asked if anyone was left in Saul’s family that he could help. He discovered Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. When David sent for him, Mephibosheth almost certainly thought he was going to be killed because he was a member of the enemy’s family from the old dynasty. But David said to him, ‘Don’t be afraid… for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father, Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ (2 Samuel 9:7 NIV)

Mephibosheth felt like a dog and expected to be treated like one and replied, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’ (2 Samuel 9:8 NIV) One of the dangers of success is that the pressures that accompany it can make you insensitive towards others. David was gracious and sensitive to Mephibosheth’s needs. Ask yourself if there is anyone you need to become more sensitive towards, and then ask the Holy Spirit for help to do it.

Be kind to others

Sun, 11 Dec 2022

‘Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness.’ Colossians 3:12

When you get up in the morning, you must not only clothe yourself physically but spiritually and emotionally as well. As we gear ourselves up mentally, we all too often are choosing an attitude from a wardrobe of possibilities. Will we deck ourselves in the glamour of smiles or the serious tone of a frown? Now you might think that when you’re kind, people will constantly take advantage of you. That may sometimes happen, but here are two reasons to be kind:

(1) ‘For it is by grace you have been saved.’ (Ephesians 2:8 NIV) Grace and kindness always go together. Poet Robert Burns said, ‘The heart that is generous and kind most resembles God.’

(2) If you want people to be kind to you and treat you right, take Jesus’ advice; ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you.’ (Matthew 7:12 NIV) If you are rude, people are going to be rude to you. But if you are kind, most people will desire to respond the same way.

‘Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly.’ (Proverbs 21:21 GNT) And here is another reason to be kind: ‘Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.’ (Proverbs 11:17 TLB) When you are kind to others, you are obeying God. ‘As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (Colossians 3:12 NIV)

Try living that way every day!