Your Identity in Christ
In Christ, I am a lover of people rather than a hater.
Pondering Point
"I’m a lover not a fighter" the old saying goes. An older adage might be I’m a lover not a hater. Proverbs 10:12 echoes this godly desire:
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
If love covers wrongs, could it be said that hatred points them out or highlights them? Are you one who draws attention to people’s faults or helps deal with them? Based on this verse, what would you say? if friends had to identify you as one who loves or hates, what evidence might they point to?
This is not saying we should ignore sin; Jesus never did that. 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
Psalm 119:137-144
- 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.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened… …and I will give you rest.
The Promise
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… …for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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?