Devotionals for the Heart: How would Jesus Christ handle conflict?

Handling Conflict like Jesus Christ Would
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever been in the middle of a tug-of-war?

Lately I’m having to handle a lot of conflict between my kids, two of whom have very different emotional styles. One likes to keep his emotions under wraps, preferring to repress or ignore unsettled feelings whenever possible and go with the proverbial flow. The other can often be on an emotional roller coaster, catapulting from jubilant to wounded to frustrated and angry, sometimes all within a few hours.

They’re teens, so usually I encourage them to navigate the conflict themselves, but there are times I need to step in. When I do, usually my go-to technique involves listening objectively and then advising the best thing to do (for me, this usually involves asking the question, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”)

It’s a good question, and sometimes the answer isn’t easy. But usually it’s pretty clear.

But it also begs another question, one about the mediation itself. If Jesus were in my shoes, how would he handle this disagreement? How did he resolve disputes?

How can I handle conflict like Jesus would?

1. Point to God as your Heavenly Father

Jesus was bold about his identity: He served God foremost. He always pointed to the Father and let people know that his priority was to serve the Lord. While at first he was not vocal about being the son of God, by the end of his earthly ministry, he was very clear about this. But he was always crystal clear about one critical thing, more critical than anything else: He always pointed to our heavenly father, God Almighty. Everything Jesus did was about his father, God. Every story he told, every question he asked, everything pointed to God.

So at the start of any sort of conflict resolution or mediation, that should be our primary goal: understanding that we, too, belong to the Lord and that this conflict impacts Him.

2. Questions provide clarity

Jesus also asked people questions: Who do you say I am? Do you love me? Do you want to be made well? What do you want me to do for you? Now, as the son of God, I am certain Jesus knew the answers to those questions. He asked them questions not for himself, but for them—the people he was talking with. Often they were questions designed to get them to vocalize what they were feeling, or thinking, for them to consider their own position.

When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21 NIV), certainly Jesus knew the answer—of course Peter loved him. But in asking, and getting Peter to say “yes!” three times in the conversation, not only was he giving Peter the opportunity to repent for denying him three times, but he was also helping Peter to claim that love and understand Jesus’s next point: that loving Jesus meant loving others in his name.

Having the ability to answer these questions gave Peter ownership over and enthusiasm about his next steps.

3. Show mercy

Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him—Judas, part of his inner circle! And yet he dined with Judas beforehand, and warned all present someone was going to betray him, and gave Judas every opportunity to repent and change his plans. Judas did not. Yet even as Jesus was jeered at and spit on as he was nailed to the cross, he didn’t express wrath or anger.

Rather, he begged, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NIV).

All of this is what I try to do today. Whether it’s a conflict in my family or anywhere else, I start by acknowledging in my own mind who I am—and who I’m not. I’m not the savior of the world. But I do belong to God and I strive to do God’s will. And that’s what I set out to do in mediation of conflict.

Then I ask questions. What is going on? What did you say? And then what did you say? And why did you say this? And why were you feeling this way?

All of these questions are designed to get people to say what is so often left unsaid in most conversations. Because when you get right down to it, arguments are often not about communication at all. They’re about unleashing emotions and expressing dissatisfaction. But when the communication happens, that’s when things start to get strong. That’s when growth happens. That’s one relationships evolve.

See, it’s not the feelings that matter. Feelings fluctuate. Feelings are like shifting sand. But it’s the facts that matter.

Jesus pointed to the facts. He pointed to the Father and shined light into the situation. Then he showed mercy even when the evil path was taken.

The next time you find yourself in conflict with someone or (like me!) called to resolve conflict between other people, I hope you’ll consider how Jesus handled it—and do the same.

I pray I will, too.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help my feelings not get in the way of the facts when it comes to a conflict. Help me look to You and strive to do the right thing by You always. And when I don’t choose well, help guide me back on the right path with You. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name.

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of Feed My Sheep: A 40-Day Devotional to Develop a Heart for Hunger Ministry (2019) and More Like Jesus: A Devotional Journey (2018) and the editor of a number of other books from her newspaper’s Advocate Press, which she helped found in 2017.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, and BibleStudyTools.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Devotionals for the Heart: Persevere in prayer and wait on God's timing

Persevere in Prayer
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”

—Psalm 40:1 (NLT)

Do you remember the movie, Are We There Yet?

The movie is about a family experiencing a road trip. Many people can relate to taking a road trip. If you’re a child looking out the window of your parent’s car during this kind of journey, everything that you see outside the window appears to be bigger in size. To most children, time seems to move so slow while on the road.

After driving for an hour, one or more passengers might ask the question, “Are we there yet?” Even though you’ve been told that it’s going to be a five-hour drive, for some reason, 30 minutes feels like an hour. I can relate to this. As we were on vacation and driving to another city, I knew it was going to be a long drive. I don’t know why 30 minutes felt incredibly long. It felt as if we should have been farther down the road than the clock or the GPS stated. We kept driving and before long, we were halfway there. We were actually making progress! Waiting is oftentimes difficult as it requires us to be patient on things that are out of our control.

The Bible tells us of a time in the life of Israel when things became out of their control too. In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was defeated in war by the Philistines. They experienced a devastating blow by the enemy and even more so because the Ark of God was captured. The Ark of God represented the old covenant under the law. This was not going down well for Israel. How long would the Philistines hold on to the Ark? When and how would they get the Ark back?

Just like Israel, we may have been praying for change in a situation for a long time. We prayed for an answer and hours turn into days, days into weeks and then weeks into months. We may have prayed, “Lord, how long?”

It was 20 years before God acted on their behalf. For 20 years, the ark was not in Israel’s possession (1 Samuel 7:1-3). Can you imagine waiting for 20 years?

I don’t have an answer as to why things take so long to change when you are doing all that you know to do. What I do know is that God is very patient, and He wants us to learn this also. What I know for sure is that God hears our prayers. He hears our every cry. Remember: God never slumbers nor sleeps. He is awake all day and all night. He never gets tired of hearing us call on His name.

Israel kept praying. Israel did not give up! I encourage you to not give up either. God answers in His time. They had been crying out for Messiah to come. Galatians 4:4 (KJV) says, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman.” He did not send His Son before He was ready. The stage was set and prepared for Jesus Christ’s arrival. There was a time for this to happen and when the time was right, the ark that was held in captivity was released.

We do not control time. Waiting can become difficult but as the psalmist says, he “waited patiently” (Psalm 40:1). We are told in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, true stories of people who were faithful to the Lord. We read how they waited for breakthroughs and change. We are also told of the many who did not receive the prize they were running toward. As a matter of fact, many of them suffered greatly for their obedience to the Lord. Yet all remained faithful to God. Every one of these people persevered and endured till their last breath.

Is there anything that would cause you to give up? Can you think of anything worth more than your obedience to God? How is it worth waiting on God and trusting Him for a breakthrough as Israel had to learn to wait? These are a few questions to consider journaling and praying privately about to God.

We all have a moment (or more) in life when we get tired and feel like giving up. But let me encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Remember how He stayed focused on His call. Never give up!

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, it is so hard to wait sometimes. Help me to learn from David how to wait on Your timing. I know that Your ways are not mine, but I trust you to make all things beautiful in your time. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord, I Trust You: Words of Encouragement, to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has travelled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 33 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation in various capacities. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and watched on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy”—her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Website: http://www.patrussellonline.com/
E-mail: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: True satisfaction is found in Jesus Christ

Finding Satisfaction in Jesus
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” –John 6:35 (KJV)

“True satisfaction is found only in Jesus.”

I have heard this statement many times. Maybe you have too. In the Christian community, many of us are blessed to have friends who point us to Jesus Christ. These friends remind us that nothing in this world can satisfy but Christ alone. Often, we nod our heads and agree. We might even remind someone else that Jesus alone can satisfy. But how well do we live out this simple truth?

After a long afternoon at work, I came home at about nine o’clock in the evening. By this time of the evening, I was hungry, but I did not feel like making anything. I simply had the urge to snack. Conveniently, I had a chocolate bunny left over from Easter sitting on my dresser. I decided to eat it instead of making myself an actual meal. Not surprisingly, the chocolate did nothing to satisfy my hunger, though it did taste good. I had no desire to go to bed hungry. So, I decided to satisfy my hunger by making exactly what I needed: a grilled cheese sandwich.

There is a life lesson for us to learn from this situation: I knew before I ate the chocolate that it would not satisfy my hunger, but I ate it anyway. Isn’t this like the spiritual choices we make every day? For example: I know that when my spirit is afflicted, and I am feeling sad or depressed that I should go to Jesus. However, I often find myself running to “chocolate” (the things that feel good but do nothing to satisfy my soul) for solace.

What are we missing? Jesus said He is the Bread of Life. We can find complete satisfaction in Him, but He is usually the last place we run to. All the things that feel good—television, food, control—are constantly competing for our attention and promising satisfaction that they cannot deliver. As Christians, we need to ignore the noise of the world. It is only when we make a choice to turn away from the things that feel good that we can finally find the One (God) who can satisfy us and fill our empty hearts to the brim.

What are some ways you can choose to turn away from the noise of the world? Maybe you could consider taking a break from social media. Maybe you could choose to memorize Scripture and spend more time praying to your Heavenly Father. Focusing on Jesus Christ to satisfy our spiritual needs is a choice. Choose to turn away from the noise of the world and turn toward the only Source of true satisfaction.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for offering us satisfaction in our lives. Please grant us the strength to turn away from the noise of the world and turn to You. Help us to seek wholeness and satisfaction in You alone. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Turn To Jesus” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five. 

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons on living sold-out for Jesus Christ

Sold-Out for Jesus Christ
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 

–1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

“You are a zebra in a herd of horses,” my Coach Lino said. He’s not a traditional athletic coach, but my coach to get me back in the game of walking. Having suffered with broken feet for three-plus years has brought a lot of things to the surface. My zebra-like quality, for one.

Standing out, being different, not one of the crowd is difficult. Living for the glory of God is not for the faint of heart, nor does it happen without purposeful thinking. You have to decide to do it all for the glory of God. Knowing how to do this only comes from reading and obeying Scripture as well as being filled with God’s Holy Spirit on a daily basis so He can be the Guide.

The Apostle Paul lived for the glory of God. He didn’t always (see Acts 9:1-19), but once he found the Truth (Jesus Christ), or rather the Truth found him, he was sold out for Jesus. He knew what it meant not to live for Christ, and what a joy it was to live for Him. Living for God requires every aspect of one’s life: eating, drinking, working, being a neighbor, friend, co-worker, family member…Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Living for Jesus will usually involve sacrifice, being different (like a zebra), and going against the ever-changing standards of our culture. You’ll be misunderstood, challenged, and forgotten with “You’re no fun anymore” comments becoming more frequent. However, as one draws closer to Jesus, these do not matter—only pleasing the Father and bringing glory to Him do.

While living in Costa Rica attending language school, my husband and I wanted to get involved in the local church, but we did not want to be with a bunch of English-speaking ex-pats (expatriate). Therefore, we traveled by bus to a small town outside the city each week to housed a tiny congregation. While there, we were able to do all for God in another language as well as another culture. We were the “zebras”. But as we immersed ourselves outside of our norm, the language school, and the familiar American culture, we learned what it meant to bring glory to God in all things, and in different ways.

It was difficult trying to make ourselves understood. But because we all had common ground in our walks with Jesus, using our words to communicate was secondary. The love of God shined through, and this became the focal point of our time with them. God showed us what it looked like to live sold out for Him—whether it was performing special music in Spanish, participating in Vacation Bible School (VBS) or having the pastor over for an all-American meal.

We were different, we looked different, spoke differently, acted differently, and made many mistakes whether in the language or with the cultural cues. But with us reaching out to fellowship with our new friends who are part of the family of God in Costa Rica, it was truly beautiful because despite our differences, we all desired the same thing: to please and honor God.

Do you feel like a zebra, already standing out, but not sure what to do next? Is there an area in your life where God is calling you higher and the road seems tough, rough and lonely? Do you know what you need to do for the glory of God but fear gets in the way?

The point is: Turn to Jesus. He understands what it means to be misunderstood or feel like an outcast. Talk to Jesus, release your fears and anxieties to Him then allow Him to guide you. He will because He is a Good Shepherd who doesn’t want any of His sheep (us) to be lost.

Let’s Pray: Father God, it is a joy and a delight to do all for You, but I will admit it is intimidating at times. Being different can be overwhelming. Yet, where I want to blend in, You desire me to forget myself and look to You. I honestly desire this too but am unsure how it will look or how to proceed. Lord, please give me the courage to be different and to live my life, out loud if necessary, for You. Help me to acknowledge You in all my ways and as I do that, please make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the name of Your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Cause of Christ” (song) by Resolved. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.

Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.

Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's love, grace and mercy for humankind

A Promise of Mercy
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.” –Lamentations 3:22-24 (CSB)

I remember my unforgettable encounter with God.

It was the moment that I realized that I was a sinner. I was at odds with a Holy God because of my sinful nature and my thinking, practices, and habits. While my sin meant that I deserved to die, mercy declared that I would not receive what I deserved. Instead, I received compassion and kindness. I received forgiveness and remission of my sins by salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

It’s important to note a few things about mercy. Mercy is extended to the offender. The innocent don’t need mercy. Mercy exonerates the guilty party. Mercy is unmerited. It is not something that can be earned. The offender deserves judgment but instead, mercy is given. Mercy is a gift born from the character of the giver. Mercy is compassionate or kind forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or another person in one's power; it is the demonstration of compassion, pity, or benevolence. Because mercy is undeserved and unmerited, when extended, it truly is an act of God.

Lamentations 3:22-24 was penned by the Weeping Prophet, Jeremiah, who declares that God’s love preserves us. His unfailing love guards us and keeps us safe in the face of danger and uncertainty. God demonstrates his love toward us through His actions. Mercy is an essential element of our God. Scripture says that our High Priest Jesus is touched by our infirmities. He is moved emotionally by our human experience because Jesus is God incarnate. He lived, breathed, and walked on this Earth as a human. Therefore, He understands what we experience.

Jesus extends empathy and compassion and His mercies toward us never end. The mercy door is always open. When we have fallen into sin, mercy is there. God's Word (The Holy Bible) says we can boldly approach His throne to obtain mercy when we need it.

His mercies are renewed every morning. This means that each day we are forgiven, we get a brand new start. God extends mercy to us and forgives our sins, mistakes, errors, mishaps, and shortcomings. Our God is the God of second chances. He is compassionate and understanding with His children. He deals with us lovingly and compassionately.

Call to Action:

1. Believe that mercy is always near. It’s okay if you fall. Look to God and get up again. You can begin again. There is no sin too great to be forgiven.

2. Embrace God’s mercy daily. It is renewed each day. If you fall into sin today, God’s forgiveness and mercy areavailable. Tomorrow you have a fresh start. Receive it. It’s yours, no questions asked.

3. Know that God is a kind and compassionate Heavenly Father. He knows exactly what you are experiencing and He can help you like nobody else can.

4. Remember, God extends mercy to us daily because of His unfailing love for us. Be merciful to others. We all need mercy and grace.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful and unfailing love toward me that keeps me safe and protected. Thank you, Lord, that Your mercies do not end. You are always near, ready to extend mercy, ready to give me forgiveness when I don’t deserve it. I thank You that Your mercies are renewed every morning. You understand I am flawed and imperfect, yet You love me unconditionally. You understand that I am prone to make mistakes, so You make provision for me with renewed mercies. Help me to be merciful to others, as You are merciful to me. Thank You, Father, for hearing and answering my prayers. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Great is Your Mercy” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Taylor is an author, educator, minister, youth advocate, recording artist, podcaster, and improviser. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College.

She is a veteran educator of Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Acquisition with National Board Teacher Certification. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, language learning, and multiculturalism.

Essie is the CEO of KenMar Press, an author agency, and The Essie Faye Collection. Essie is the author of Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Acceptance, and Finding The Love Your Deserve: A 60-Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith.

She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. She loves God, people, and helping others.

Essie has been a Christian for nearly all of her 39 years. She was born again at 15 years old. She has been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years. By the grace of God, Essie helped to establish bilingual ministries at five churches in her young life. She is a survivor of domestic violence (verbal and emotional abuse) and marital abandonment in a prior marriage.

Essie is a Chicago native. She lives in Chicago with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How the kindness of God can change the world

God's Kindness Changes Everything
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” 

—Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Unexpected kindness is one of life's sweet surprises.

I needed something sweet after attending a friend’s funeral last month, so I stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home. It was the day before Mother's Day, and carts were full of colorful produce and fragrant bouquets of roses, tulips, and carnations. I typically avoid crowded places like a date with my dentist, so I planned a quick exit.

When the cashier asked how my day was going, she missed the evidence my mascara left behind. I'm not a good liar so I told the truth: My friend passed away.

The cashier looked at me with tears in her eyes and walked away. Puzzled by her departure, I admired the dark chocolate bars at the register and threw some in my cart. Moments later, when she returned with a bouquet, my words seemed inadequate. It was one of the kindest things anyone had ever done for me, and I left determined to pay it forward.

Hundreds of decisions define us each day while we’re living here on Earth. Some are life-altering, while others are insignificant, like what kind of eggs to fix for breakfast, what toothpaste to buy, what flowers to plant, and what song to tell Alexa to play next. But when we go out of our way to be kind, it costs nothing, pays big dividends, and makes us feel fantastic.

I'll never forget when my friend John who was grieving significant losses of his own, offered to put my dog down, knowing how hard it would be for me to do it alone. Or the joy in a first grader's eyes when I gave him an Easter basket. Or the gratitude my friend felt when our church's life group served the food at her sister's funeral.

I belong to what my pastor calls “the kindest church in Minnesota” because being kind is the way we live. When our women's ministry isn't making gift baskets for a local women's shelter or blankets for a local kid's outreach, our church’s Care Ministry sends cards to members who are sick or grieving.

The possibilities to do good are endless, but the ultimate act of kindness happened 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (John 3:16). There was nothing random about His mission to save us (Luke 19:10). He showed us how to live a holy life (1 John 3:16-20) and changed countless lives in the process.

When you experience God's kindness for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out, He gives you the power to live as Jesus did. And that, my friend, changes everything.

The opportunities to be kind are everywhere if we look closely enough. While you're out in the world today, take time to do an act of kindness for someone. Most likely, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what happens next.

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to show me how powerful kindness is. Help me identify opportunities around me today to be His hands and feet and, in the process, bring You glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Kindness” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about Gigi (her Cocker Spaniel) was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to forgive people who hurt us

Forgiveness
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

–Matthew 6:12 (KJV)

One of the last phrases Jesus Christ said before dying on the cross was “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34 KJV). The magnitude of this act of grace is often overlooked and taken for granted.

We are living in a time where forgiveness is not very popular. There is such a great demand for justice in this society. We naturally want to see people pay for their sins or wrongful acts. Nowadays, grace is considered odd and when it is extended by others, it’s noteworthy and shocking.

Yet God calls us to forgive each other when we have been wronged simply because God forgives us every day of our lives when we confess our sins and ask for His forgiveness. It is the least we can do considering the great sacrifice that was made on our behalf. Furthermore, we are warned of the consequences if we do not forgive. In Matthew 6:15, the Bible makes it very clear that if we do not forgive others of their trespasses, then our Father also will not forgive us of our trespasses.

Still, many struggle with extending grace to others. It is quite possible that people do not know how to forgive because they have not allowed themselves to receive forgiveness from God. They have not yet experienced the power of that type of love from our Heavenly Father. And it’s that type of love that God expects us to give to others.

But how can we possibly forgive others? Just like Jesus surrendered His life on the cross, we must first surrender to God’s mercy and love and allow it to fill us. Once we have truly experienced it for ourselves, we become transformed by its ability to free us from feelings of animosity and ill will toward others.

God’s love accepts us as we are but does not leave us that way. We become restored and elevated into a right relationship with God. That is when He can use us and that’s when we are able to share His love, mercy, and grace. That is when we are able to freely forgive.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, We are so thankful for Your grace. May we never forget Your sacrifice and the blood that was shed to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Please forgive us for our sins and help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. We know that we cannot do this without You. Give us the strength to love others as You love us. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Forgiveness” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey.

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com