One of the difficult instructions we have as Christians is to love our enemies, and particularly, we are not to seek revenge. It is difficult not to look for an opportunity to get back at someone who made a joke at our expense, cut us off in traffic, or got the promotion we were hoping for.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” As difficult as it is, we need to be kind to those who do us wrong, that is our part of the arrangement. Taking care of the offender is God’s part of the arrangement. Paul tells us in Romans 12:19, “for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” KJV in verse 21 he says, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” NLT When we sink to revenge and vengeance, we are damaging our own character and bringing ourselves down to the level of our offender.

Dear Lord, Help us to stay above the evil around us, be kind and gracious to those who offend us, and pray for them. By being kind, we may be the tool you are using to bring that person to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In order to purify gold; to take it from ore found in the ground to high enough quality for use for jewelry, electronics, and other things, it is heated to melting. When this is done, the impurities and other metals separate and the pure gold can be removed.

Peter uses this illustration in 1 Peter 1:6-7, he says “although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold tested by fire. ”

God lets us experience trials, setbacks, disappointments, to develop us and make us better. Our job is to stay in faith and use these trials to refine our faith and character, so we come out of it stronger and more capable.

Dear Lord help us remember that you are there to help us through our trials, and You are refining us so we can be a better Christian person. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In modern times, we are much more likely to be subject to emotional burdens than physical burdens. Few people in their work are required to face overwhelming physical burdens. However, many of us can become subject to heavy emotional and psychological burdens. We may face an uncertain medical diagnosis, or a long and uncertain recovery from illness or injury, some have financial burdens with no idea how to overcome them, or emotional challenges dealing with friends or family members with behavior problems.

These types of burdens can weigh so heavily on people that they look for any relief, and without faith, may turn to alcohol, drugs, or running away in attempts to overcome the emotional or psychological pain.

We must remember, for ourselves and for others, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus is the solution in those times of trial when we think there is no relief.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance of emotional comfort and shelter in our times of trouble. Help us remember to come to you rather than the supposed solutions in drugs, alcohol, and other temptations that only take us further away from you. Help us not only realize this for ourselves, but be there to share this with our loved ones and others who need your rest for their souls. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In modern times when we hear the word “peace” we tend to think of the absence of war or absence of conflict between people. Jesus is described in the Bible as the “Prince of Peace” and in John 14:27 He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus’ peace is a peace for you personally. Closer to the dictionary definition of “quiet and tranquility: Mental calm; serenity.” We can have this peace through our faith in Jesus. He wants us to pass our troubles, sorrows, and concerns to Him and ask for His help. If we trust Him, we can be at peace.

The apostle Paul describes it in Philippians 4:7 “The peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We may not understand it, but through faith in God we can have peace.

Dear Lord, Help us trust You and accept Your peace in our lives, knowing that You will guard and protect us. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

Let us remember, not just to be thankful, but also to whom we are being thankful.

Even amidst the strange and uncertain times we face in 2023, we have so much to be thankful for. God is good, though we don’t always know what he is up to, we can be thankful in everything as Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Dear Lord, You have showered blessings upon all of us. We live lives of comfort, convenience, and abundance. Help us remember to be thankful to you for these blessings, and use them to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.