Weekly Devotion

Pastor Andrew Taylor writes, “I like how this passage captures forgiveness both vertically and horizontally.” Paul’s word for “kind” (Greek: chrēstoi) in “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” goes beyond being “nice,” encompassing genuine concern, gentleness, and grace.

As believers, we are grafted into the family of Christ. Whether symbolized by the vine and branches or the concept of grafting, the underlying principle remains the same: believers are joined to Christ and receive life and blessings through that connection.

My brother referenced a passage where Jesus summarized the Mosaic Law with two key commandments: love God fully (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).

What does hope and strength from faith truly look like?
Ironically, it’s not always seen on the face of those who complain, criticize, or carry a victim mentality. True strength isn’t loud or bitter.

He was no longer just a teacher or prophet—He was, and is, one with the Father. Jesus intended for His disciples to grasp the spiritual path to the Father. But Thomas, always the inquisitive one, asked, “Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?”

I believe lyrics about Satan’s power and the fear of God should be handled carefully. But at the same time, am I rejecting something because it’s truly unbiblical or simply because it doesn’t resonate with me? We should evaluate what we sing and hear with humility and wisdom.

Jesus’ reaction stemmed from the disciples’ failure to remember what they had just witnessed on the mountaintop: God’s divine affirmation of Jesus. In that powerful moment, they had seen God’s glory revealed, yet now, in their moment of weakness, they forgot who Jesus truly was.

If I had remained calm and engaged in an open, honest conversation during the “bad people” attending church discussion, I might have learned more about her understanding and used Paul’s example to explain the grace of God.

But God’s message of Christianity is that we’re supposed to live it, And I’m grateful that if people don’t see that, I want to encourage them to give God a try. And watch what you will do with your life.

“I am the resurrection and the life.” It is not merely a statement about the future. He doesn’t just talk about “the life”; He actually is the [only] way, the [only] truth, and the [only] life