Your Identity in Christ
• In Christ, I am a lover of people rather than a hater of people.
"I’m a lover not a fighter" the old saying goes. But an older adage might be "I’m a lover not a hater". Proverbs 10:12 echoes this godly desire: "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs". If
love covers wrongs, could it be said that hatred points them out? Are you one who draws attention to people’s faults or helps cover them? Based on this verse, if friends had to identify you as one who loves or hates, what evidence might they use? What would you say?
This is not saying we should ignore sin; Jesus never did that. But He managed to let people know they were loved even though they were sinners. This is a good example for us forgiven sinners as we seek to be lovers not haters.
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to remove any lingering hatred in you.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:137-144 (Tsadhe, 18th letter)
- You are righteous, LORD,
and your laws are right. - The statutes you have laid down
are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. - My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words. - Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
- Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts. - Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true. - Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight. - Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 11:28a
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…
Matthew 11:28b
…and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29-30
(command): Take my yoke upon you and learn from me...
(promise): for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
What a picture – worn out from zeal for God and His Word! What are you zealous for? What does or what would zeal for God look like in your current life?