Forgiveness is predicated on repentance which is itself a gift from God (1 Tim. 2:25). We have all known both sides of this equation—having repented many times from our sins and also having many times received the gift of forgiveness. It’s all grace from first to last. As we imitate Christ, our relationships are sustained by... Continue Reading

Take time this season to slow down and look at how God has blessed you. When the rainy cloud continues to hang over you while it seems everyone else is walking in sunshine, when you know in your head that you are blessed but can’t get your feelings on board with this truth, remind yourself... Continue Reading

As the holidays come upon us, we can pray in anticipation of an overwhelming amount of social time. When we discern what commitments to make, we can pray specifically about our hearts and opportunities beforehand. When it feels intimidating to show up at a gathering where we have little in common with attendees, we ask... Continue Reading

Though humans can discover vital wisdom through investigation of God’s world (general revelation), the wisdom of God revealed in Scripture is perfect and eternal. It never needs to be culturally updated or abandoned because new technology or scientific discovery makes it obsolete. Though humans have the capacity to forgive us many times, their ability to endure... Continue Reading

We must not shepherd from behind with a stick, but from the front with love. We must lead not with harsh words from the pulpit, the “coward’s castle,” “six foot above contradiction,” but by setting an example of love for Christ and love for his people. “Do as I say not as I do” never works... Continue Reading

Sometimes, the believers most likely to harp on how sinful we are miss the other side of sanctification, an element of the good news that’s every bit as powerful and life-changing. It’s this: You don’t realize the pervasiveness of Christ’s holiness in you. A Christian living by the Spirit does far more good than he or... Continue Reading

What you don’t often hear is thanks given for things like health problems or financial troubles or some other unwelcome event that made life difficult. Yet, does not God want us to give thanks in all things? In fact, His instruction is made all the more emphatic when He adds: “for this is the will of God... Continue Reading

Thanksgiving in suffering is an act of faith that boldly echoes one of Scripture’s most resounding themes: “There’s more to the story.” God does not tell us to be dishonest, and we do nothing wrong by naming our suffering for what it is. But by the grace of God, we can behold our suffering—even with tears—through... Continue Reading

As emotional abuse is sinful and goes against how God has created us to be, not only is it right to not give in to it, but it is right to do something about it. To live as God designed us to live means it is right to resist being treated in this way. Sometimes,... Continue Reading

Our salvation is greater than we can ever know. We can never plumb the depths nor soar to the heights of what God has prepared for us in Jesus Christ. The more we think about and meditate on our great salvation, and the more we ask for a greater measure of it, the more that great and inexhaustible gift will be... Continue Reading