Compassion is a fundamental virtue that every believer who has received Christ into their life must embody. It reflects the very nature of God Himself, who is rich in mercy and compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Why must we be compassionate? Because our Heavenly Father is compassionate (Luke 6:36, NIV: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”). As children of God, we are called to imitate His character (Ephesians 5:1-2). Compassion is not just a feeling but an active response to human suffering and need, rooted in God’s unconditional love (1 John 4:7-8).
The Bible uses both compassion and mercy, which are closely related but have nuanced differences:
For example, a soldier sparing a surrendering enemy out of empathy and understanding is showing compassion. Simply sparing the enemy out of duty or obligation is an act of mercy.
1) Compassion for the Sick
Jesus’ healing ministry was driven by compassion, not just power or obligation. Mark 1:40-42 (NIV) describes a man with leprosy pleading for healing. Jesus, “moved with compassion,” touched and healed him. This reveals that compassion involves entering into another’s suffering and responding personally (Hebrews 4:15).
When we witness illness and suffering, our response should mirror Christ’s. Compassion calls us to stand with the afflicted and pray, support, and care.
2) Compassion for the Needy
True compassion extends beyond feelings into tangible help for those in material need. 1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) challenges believers: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? … let us love not with words but with actions and in truth.”
God’s compassion manifests through generosity and sharing, reflecting His heart for the poor and marginalized (Proverbs 19:17).
3) Compassion for Those in Crisis
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37, NIV) vividly portrays compassion as action: a Samaritan risks time and resources to care for a stranger beaten and left for dead. Jesus contrasts the Samaritan’s compassion with the indifference of the priest and Levite, challenging us to love beyond social or religious boundaries.
Compassion here is sacrificial and practical, breaking through barriers to restore life and dignity.
4) Compassion for Backsliders
The prodigal son’s story (Luke 15:11-32, NIV) beautifully illustrates God’s compassionate heart toward repentant sinners. The father’s running to embrace his lost son symbolizes divine grace welcoming the repentant without condemnation.
As believers, we must reflect this compassion, encouraging and restoring those who have strayed (Galatians 6:1).
5) Compassion Within the Body of Christ
The church is called to live out compassion internally. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) exhorts: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This mutual compassion sustains unity and reflects God’s mercy.
Compassion in Scripture is more than emotional sympathy; it is a divine attribute and a commanded lifestyle for believers. It flows from God’s own nature (Exodus 34:6), demonstrated supremely in Christ’s incarnation God entering human suffering (John 1:14). Believers are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), who express compassion tangibly.
Moreover, compassion is intrinsically linked to agape love the selfless, sacrificial love God commands (1 Corinthians 13). It is both a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a mark of authentic discipleship (John 13:34-35).
May we, empowered by the Holy Spirit, embody God’s compassion responding actively to the suffering and needs around us, reflecting the heart of our merciful Father. As Jesus commands us in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Shalom
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Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ forever. Welcome as we dive into an inspiring biblical story that highlights faith, justice, and God’s unfolding revelation in His covenant people.
In the Old Testament, we encounter the story of Zelophehad’s five daughters (Numbers 27:1-11), a narrative that challenges cultural norms and reveals God’s justice and mercy. These women from the tribe of Manasseh courageously stepped forward to claim their inheritance an act that ultimately led to a significant legal reform in Israel.
The story takes place during the Israelites’ wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan. God, through Moses, was preparing to distribute the Promised Land according to tribal allotments (Numbers 26:52-56). Each tribe’s share was proportional to its size, with Judah being the largest and Manasseh among the smaller tribes (Numbers 26:62).
Inheritance laws in ancient Israel were patriarchal: property passed through male heirs to maintain tribal land holdings and family lineage (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). Women traditionally did not inherit land, which made Zelophehad’s daughters’ case unprecedented.
Zelophehad died without sons, and according to custom, his inheritance was at risk of being lost to his family line (Numbers 27:3 NIV):
“Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons.”
His daughters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah came forward with a bold plea (Numbers 27:4-5 NIV):
“Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”
Moses brought their case before God, who affirmed their claim, establishing a new legal precedent (Numbers 27:7-11 ESV):
“The daughters of Zelophehad speak rightly. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them… If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter.”
Moses served as mediator in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), bringing the people’s petitions before God. Today, Jesus Christ is our perfect Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), the one to whom we bring our requests for justice and provision.
Approach Him with boldness and faith, armed with God’s Word as your foundation:
Isaiah 41:21 (NIV) “Present your case,” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.
Isaiah 43:26 (ESV) “Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.”
The five daughters’ strength lay in their unity. Not one daughter, but all five together made their case. Jesus teaches that where two or more believers agree in prayer, their requests are powerful before God:
Matthew 18:19 (NIV) “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Unity amplifies our faith and petitions, helping us stand firm in God’s promises.
May the Lord grant us faith like the daughters of Zelophehad bold, respectful, and united so that we can open the doors that seem closed in our lives.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
When we think of discipline, order, and protection, our minds often turn to soldiers. We admire the structure of a military parade or the courage of police officers risking their lives to uphold justice. Their training, sacrifice, and sense of duty inspire many.
But no one celebrates a thief. Thieves are despised because they invade the lives of others, taking what doesn’t belong to them often in secrecy and violence. Their actions violate trust and destroy peace.
And yet, Scripture tells us that Jesus will return not like a soldier on parade, but like a thief in the night swift, unexpected, and silent.
“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
Jesus Himself used this imagery:
“But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
A thief doesn’t come to steal trash. He targets what is precious.
In the same way, Jesus is returning to take those who are valuable in His sight His faithful ones, those who have been redeemed by His blood, purified by repentance, and made holy by the Spirit.
“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”
The world is like a large house some inside are faithful and others are not. The ruler of this fallen world is Satan (John 14:30), and his kingdom is full of deception and wickedness. But Jesus is coming to claim His jewels the saints and He will do it in a moment, without warning.
When the Lord comes like a thief, it will be the rapture the sudden taking away of believers who are walking in righteousness.
“I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”
It will happen in the twinkling of an eye a divine disappearance that will confound the world.
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
In Scripture, vessels are often used to describe people some for honorable use, others for dishonorable.
“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
Valuable vessels are those who:
They live lives of holiness and obedience, remaining in the light while the rest of the world walks in darkness.
“As for the saints who are on the earth, ‘They are the excellent ones, in whom is all My delight.’”
Once the saints are taken, those left behind will face the wrath of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation a time of unparalleled suffering.
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
The enemy will rage, realizing he has lost what is most precious. And like a man who awakens to find his treasures stolen, he will unleash destruction in frustration and fury.
This is the critical question.
Jesus isn’t returning for churchgoers by name, but for true believers those who are living in righteousness and walking in the Spirit.
Are you ready? Or will you be among those left behind?
Now is the time to repent, to surrender your life fully to Christ, to walk in holiness, and be filled with His Spirit.
The early church greeted one another with the word Maranatha, meaning: “Our Lord is coming.”
So let us live with that urgency, and strive to be vessels of gold holy, ready, and set apart for the Master’s use.
“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”Revelation 16:15, NKJV
In this passage, Jesus offers both a warning and a promise: He is returning unexpectedly like a thief in the night and blessed are those who remain spiritually alert and keep their garments.
In biblical symbolism, garments often represent righteousness, character, or spiritual status. To be clothed in Scripture means to be covered in the holiness of God either imputed through Christ (justification) or expressed through our obedient life (sanctification).
The “garment” referred to in Revelation 16:15 is tied directly to the believer’s conduct and standing before God. We see a more explicit definition in:
Revelation 19:8 (NKJV):
“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”
This verse defines the fine linen as righteous deeds not righteousness by works alone, but righteousness that flows from faith in Christ (cf. James 2:17). This aligns with Paul’s teachings that salvation is by grace through faith, but it produces fruit in a changed life (Ephesians 2:8–10).
A physical example of “losing one’s garment” is found during Jesus’ arrest:
Mark 14:51–52 (NKJV):
“Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him,And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.”
This young man (possibly John Mark himself) had followed Jesus closely even boldly but when danger came, he abandoned his garment and ran. This moment illustrates how fear and pressure can cause believers to abandon their spiritual covering, choosing safety or comfort over fidelity to Christ.
To “walk naked” before God is a biblical image of spiritual shame, exposure, and judgment. Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness after sinning (Genesis 3:7–10). In Revelation, spiritual nakedness reflects a life devoid of God’s righteousness:
Revelation 3:17–18 (NKJV):
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed,that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed…”
Jesus warns the church of Laodicea: Self-confidence without holiness is deadly. A spiritual life without the garment of Christ’s righteousness will leave us exposed at His coming.
Many today are tempted to lay down their garments to compromise their convictions under the weight of trials. Whether due to rejection, persecution, workplace pressure, or relational conflicts, some choose to walk away from their walk with Christ and return to the world.
But Scripture calls us to persevere, especially when it’s hard:
Mark 8:35 (NKJV):
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
This echoes the cost of discipleship. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised eternal life and the presence of Christ in our suffering.
Jesus repeatedly uses the image of a thief in the night to describe His sudden return (see Matthew 24:42–44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). He is not promoting fear but readiness. Only those who remain spiritually awake and clothed in righteousness will be unashamed when He comes.
Leviticus 19:14 (NIV)
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.”
This powerful command from Leviticus belongs to God’s holiness code, where He calls His people to live with justice, compassion, and reverence. In this verse, God forbids exploiting the vulnerable specifically those who are deaf or blind as a profound metaphor for how we should treat all who are weak or dependent.
The “deaf” and “blind” here are literal but also symbolic. They represent people who, due to limitation or ignorance, are at risk of being taken advantage of. The “stumbling block” is anything that causes them to fall or harm themselves, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Why does God emphasize this? Because God is a God of justice and mercy (Micah 6:8), and He calls His people to reflect His character. Exploiting others’ weaknesses is not only unjust; it is a failure to honor God’s holiness and love. This verse reminds us that fearing God means protecting and respecting the vulnerable, not harming them.
Practical Examples of Exploiting Vulnerability
Consider a blind person trying to cross a busy street. Naturally, one would help guide them safely, showing compassion and kindness. To deliberately put them in harm’s way is cruel and inhumane.
Sadly, this kind of behavior exists in everyday life. For example, someone wanting to buy a phone might not understand its quality. Instead of advising honestly, a dishonest seller might deceive the buyer, selling a counterfeit product at the price of a genuine one. The buyer, unaware of the fraud, suffers loss. This is exactly what Leviticus condemns putting a “stumbling block before the blind.”
This kind of dishonesty is an affront to God’s justice. Throughout Scripture, God condemns deceit and calls for integrity (Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 20:23). Sadly, such behavior is widespread and reflects a sinful heart that has not been transformed by God’s grace.
The story of Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) reminds us how Satan exploited her “blindness” to good and evil to deceive her. Instead of guiding her in obedience, Satan’s deception led to sin entering the world. Likewise, people today misuse others’ ignorance or weakness for selfish gain, continuing the legacy of sin.
Other Examples
Sometimes, people use shortcuts to increase profit at others’ expense. For example, a cook might add fillers or harmful substances to food to increase quantity, knowing customers won’t notice. This is not only dishonest but endangers others’ health, deeply displeasing to God (Proverbs 12:22).
Even more heartbreaking are religious leaders or servants who exploit people’s spiritual or emotional vulnerabilities threatening or deceiving them to extract money or power. Jesus Himself condemned such hypocrisy and exploitation (Matthew 23:14).
Our Call as Followers of God
God’s call is for us to be like Job, who said:
Job 29:15 (NIV)
“I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.”
We are called to serve and support those in need, guiding them rightly and protecting them from harm. To “fear the Lord” means to honor Him by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8).
When we protect the vulnerable and live in integrity, we reflect God’s character and experience His blessings “many good days” in His world (Psalm 91:16)
Shalom.
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Shalom! I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, let us explore a powerful spiritual principle hidden in the everyday life of fishermen a principle with direct application to those called to the ministry and to every believer involved in the work of soul winning.
When we think of fishermen, we often imagine them casting their nets into the sea, catching fish, returning home, and repeating the process the next day. But anyone who has spent time with real fishermen knows the truth: fishing is not just about casting and collecting it’s also about preparing, maintaining, and repairing the tools of the trade.
After each fishing trip regardless of whether they caught anything or not fishermen are required to clean their nets and, if necessary, repair them. Why?
Because nets don’t just catch fish. They gather seaweed, mud, trash, and debris. If neglected, these contaminants begin to rot, attracting vermin and weakening the material. Dead fish stuck in the net begin to decompose and further damage the fibers. Left unchecked, holes develop, making the net useless.
Dirty nets are visible in the water, and fish instinctively avoid them. The best nets are nearly invisible just as effective ministry often flows from quiet, unseen disciplines.
Let us examine what the Gospels tell us.
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around Him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’”
Notice the detail: the fishermen were washing their nets, even after a failed night of fishing. Why? Because discipline and preparation are not based on results they’re based on obedience and principle.
Likewise, in another Gospel:
“When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.”
This wasn’t casual maintenance it was intentional preparation, which was part of their livelihood. When Jesus called them, they were actively engaged in maintaining their tools, showing us that faithful servants must care for what God has placed in their hands.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus uses fishing imagery to describe evangelism and the call of ministry:
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
As followers of Christ especially those called to teach, preach, or witness we are spiritual fishermen. But too often, we focus only on the act of “casting the net” (preaching, evangelizing, leading worship) and neglect the necessary ongoing work of maintenance and sanctification.
We repair our spiritual nets with the Word of God.
As Paul instructs Timothy:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Repairing the net means returning to God’s Word to ensure:Our doctrine is sound (Titus 2:1)Our message is relevant, timely, and Spirit-led (Ecclesiastes 3:1)Our teaching aligns with the Gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6–9)
If we fail to do this, we risk teaching out of tradition or emotion rather than divine truth. The result? Spiritual holes in our nets. We begin losing people not because they reject Christ, but because they were never truly caught by a whole, well repaired net.
We clean our nets by purifying our personal lives.
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Our lives must reflect the message we preach. The power of the Gospel is hindered when the messenger lives in compromise. A dirty net drives fish away just as a compromised testimony repels seekers from the truth.
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
This is not about legalism it’s about living lives that don’t contradict our calling. A life of integrity, humility, and sanctification makes the Gospel message attractive and credible.
Remember what Simon Peter said to Jesus in Luke 5:5:
“We’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”
That act of obedience, even in discouragement, led to a miraculous catch. But it only happened after:They had washed the nets
Let us, as ministers and believers, never neglect the daily disciplines of:Repairing our understanding and delivery of the WordCleansing our personal lives through sanctification
These are not optional. They are essential for a fruitful, Spirit-led ministry. Just like fishermen care for their nets every day, we too must be faithful in caring for what God has entrusted to us.
“This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”
May the Lord bless you.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We thank God for His grace in granting us another day. As we begin, I invite you to reflect with me on a powerful truth from Scripture: the role of spiritual unity in the Church as a testimony to the world.
When we talk about “those outside,” we refer to those who are either secular (worldly) or followers of other religions. Evangelism is becoming more difficult in our time, but why?
While it is true that “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19), that truth should not be an excuse to neglect the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). The real issue lies within the Church itself: we have failed to walk in spiritual unity.
Jesus prayed a profound prayer just before His crucifixion:
John 17:21–23 “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
In this passage, Jesus reveals that the credibility of the Gospel to the world is directly connected to the unity of believers. When Christians walk in Spirit-led unity, it validates the claim that Jesus is the Son of God sent by the Father.
Jesus was not calling for superficial or institutional unity—such as denominational alliances or interfaith coalitions. Instead, He was praying for spiritual unity—the kind produced by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:3–6 “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
This “unity of the Spirit” is doctrinally grounded and Spirit-enabled. It’s not just emotional or organizational—it is unity in truth and love, founded on the person and work of Christ.
If the Church aligns itself with these truths and lives them out visibly, then our witness to the world becomes powerful and persuasive—not just in words, but in life and love.
Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Disunity sends a conflicting message. When believers are divided by denominations, doctrines, and personal interests, the Gospel is blurred in the eyes of the world.
So we must ask: Is the unity that Jesus prayed for present in us today? If not, we must acknowledge that something is broken. And if it’s broken, it must be restored—not for our benefit only, but for the sake of the Gospel among the nations.
This is not just a personal goal; it is a divine command.
“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me…” (John 17:23)
Let’s strive, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to return to biblical unity—in doctrine, in Spirit, and in love. When we do, we will no longer need to strive as hard to convince people about Christ. Our very unity will preach Christ to the nations.
Shalom. Come, Lord Jesus!
1. The Mosquito Analogy: A Cautionary Image
A mosquito offers a vivid illustration. If it lands on someone and feeds without interruption, it will keep sucking blood until its stomach bursts—literally dying from its inability to know when to stop.
This biological fact mirrors a spiritual truth: those who are consumed by the love of money can’t tell when they’ve had enough. Their desire blinds them, leading to destruction.
Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 says:
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?”
This verse reflects a central theme of wisdom literature: the futility of earthly pursuits when disconnected from God. Material wealth does not provide ultimate fulfillment. Instead, the more we gain, the more pressure, responsibility, and dissatisfaction often follow. True contentment cannot come from external riches—it must be rooted in God.
Worldly thinking says: “Chase money. Make it your goal.” But God’s wisdom warns us not to build our lives around wealth.
Hebrews 13:5 says:
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
The command is not against money itself, but against covetousness—an unholy desire that replaces trust in God with trust in wealth. The believer’s security must rest in God’s presence and providence, not in possessions.
1 Timothy 6:10 declares:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
The Greek word translated as “love of money” is philarguria, which denotes an obsession or unnatural affection for wealth. Paul teaches that this desire is not neutral—it actively pulls people away from the faith and leads to spiritual self-harm. It’s a competing love that dethrones God from the center of one’s life.
Judas began with a hidden love for money, stealing from the ministry fund (John 12:6). But that desire grew, and eventually led him to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins.
Acts 1:18–19 recounts his end:
“With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this… and they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.”
Judas’ story shows the progression of sin—from hidden greed to public betrayal to violent death. This is a sobering example of how unchecked love for money can open the door to Satan (Luke 22:3) and destroy a person spiritually and physically.
The Christian life is not one of material obsession, but of kingdom focus. Jesus taught:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The order of priorities matters. God’s kingdom must come first, and material needs are secondary and promised as provision—not the focus of our pursuit.
God is not against wealth. He is against idolatry—placing money above Him. We are called to:
The love of money is a trap. Like the mosquito that feeds until it dies, the person who craves wealth for its own sake will eventually face ruin. But the one who seeks God first, and keeps their heart free from greed, will live in peace and purpose.
Lord, help us to love You more than wealth. Teach us to trust Your provision and be content with what we have. Guard our hearts from greed and give us the wisdom to pursue what truly matters: Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Come, Lord Jesus!
This is a deep and important question. To answer it clearly, we must understand two foundational truths:
Let’s explore how these two truths work together.
Yes, God created everything—“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3). This includes the heavens, the earth, and all living beings. But that doesn’t mean God directly created every individual action or invention, especially those that are contrary to His nature.
Think about this:
In the same way, God created free will, and humans have used that gift to either obey Him—or rebel against Him. Sin is the result of choosing rebellion. Therefore, sin is not a “thing” God created; it’s a corruption of something good He made.
God created humans and angels with free will—the ability to choose. Without this, love, obedience, and relationship would be meaningless. But with that freedom comes the risk of disobedience.
Sin entered the world through their choice, not God’s design.
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
The idea that God could create sin contradicts His nature. The Bible is clear:
If God created sin, He would not be pure or just. But Scripture affirms that He is perfectly holy, and He hates sin. “You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.” (Psalm 5:4)
So, no—God did not create sin. He created free will, and humans (and fallen angels) used that freedom to invent sin by twisting and misusing good things.
Even today, new forms of evil are being created. Jesus foretold this:
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)
Paul echoes this in Romans:
“They invent ways of doing evil…” (Romans 1:30)
This is why the world is in moral decline—and why divine judgment is certain unless people turn back to God.
No one can overcome sin on their own. But God, in His mercy, provided a way through His Son:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Salvation involves:
Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven—we are transformed, enabled to live a new life free from the power of sin.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
God’s expectation for His children is clear:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
This doesn’t mean flawlessness—it means spiritual maturity, integrity, and a life set apart for God. We are called to reflect His holiness in a sinful world.
God did not create sin. Sin was born when created beings—angels and humans—misused their freedom. But through Jesus Christ, we can be free from the power and penalty of sin.
Let us choose holiness, walk in the Spirit, and prepare for the return of our Lord.
The Lord is coming!
The Appeal of Isolation
In today’s world, independence and personal focus are often seen as signs of strength. “Mind your own business” is common advice—and to a degree, it’s useful. Staying focused on your purpose and avoiding unnecessary drama can bring peace and clarity.
But spiritually speaking, extreme isolation is dangerous. While solitude for prayer and reflection is biblical (Mark 1:35), God never designed us to be fully disconnected from others. We are created for community, fellowship, and mutual accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Scripture: Judges 18:7–29
In Judges 18, we meet the city of Laish—a peaceful, prosperous, and self-sufficient people. They lived far from other cities and had no dealings with anyone else.
“Then the five men departed and went to Laish. They saw the people who were there, how they dwelt safely, in the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure. There were no rulers in the land who might put them to shame for anything. They were far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone.” (Judges 18:7)
At first, this sounds ideal. But their downfall came suddenly:
“But there was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no ties with anyone.” (Judges 18:28)
The people of Laish had peace, but not protection. They had prosperity, but no partnership. Biblically, relationships provide covering—a theme seen throughout Scripture. Isolation, when taken to an extreme, leaves one vulnerable to attack without support.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
This verse speaks to the theological principle of covenant community. Just as the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) exists in perfect unity (Genesis 1:26), so are we called to live in mutual connection.
Biblical unity is not about uniformity—it’s about spiritual solidarity, which brings strength, resilience, and God’s blessing (Psalm 133:1–3).
Satan’s tactics haven’t changed. He works best in isolation. That’s why he tries to pull believers away from fellowship, discourage church attendance, and sow offense and pride that causes people to think, “I don’t need anyone.”
In the church, disunity weakens the body, and spiritual isolation leaves believers vulnerable. Paul calls the church a body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). No part can function properly—or survive—disconnected from the whole.
Scripture: John 17:21–23
“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (v. 21) “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.” (v. 22) “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one…” (v. 23)
Jesus deeply desired oneness among His followers. This unity reflects the divine nature and serves as a testimony to the world. When we walk in unity, we demonstrate the love and nature of God Himself.
Laish teaches us a sobering truth: a peaceful life without connection is a fragile life. True safety comes not only from avoiding conflict but from embracing community. God has designed His people to walk together in faith, prayer, and love.
Don’t let independence rob you of divine protection. Stay connected. Stay accountable. Walk in unity, and you’ll walk in strength.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
May the Lord bless you and guide you into deeper fellowship—with Him and with His people.