Weekly Devotion

When we greet someone personally, we mirror that love. It tells people: You are known. You are valued. You are not invisible. And to God’s children, isn’t that the gospel in one sentence?

In the spoken sense, sapros means words that are corrupt, harmful, or degrading—things that spiritually smell bad and are unfit for use. In contrast, “building up” means more than saying something nice. It’s moral goodness, usefulness, and a benefit to others.

That day, I realized something deeper than fear, grief, and worry over the events unfolding—I realized I had no control over the providential things in my life. It might be Satan’s world on earth, but only Jesus Christ is in complete control.

The men leaned in and warned, “You don’t know who you’re talking to — we can make your life very difficult.” But it didn’t matter. He stood up, pointed to the door, and insisted they leave.

The stories reminded me that God’s love extends to all of creation. In every small act of care, whether for a struggling animal or a weary soul, we are invited to reflect the kindness of our Creator.

Dynamic situations, the well-being of others, and healthy relationships often require extended-release responses. If we rush to a quick reaction, it’s more likely that we’re not tapping into what the Holy Spirit has instilled in us. It’s not the absence of worldly discernment in our thinking, but the absence of the divine.

Our true strength doesn’t come from our abilities or achievements but from our dependence on God. When we yield to His Spirit, He can accomplish far more through us than we could ever do on our own.

Love in the parable is seen in the father’s heart. Love is the motivation; grace is the action. Grace is love responding to specific need and unworthiness.

Love in the parable is seen in the father’s heart. Love is the motivation; grace is the action. Grace is love responding to specific need and unworthiness.

We make excuses for it, justify it, and even rationalize that it’s not real, but fear is as real as any other thing we experience. So what do we do with it? More importantly, what does God say about it?