The Bible teaches that the saints who are on the earth are those who please the Lord.
Psalm 16:3“As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
But the question is this: when the Bible speaks of “saints,” does it mean people who never make mistakes at all? Does it mean they are completely flawless and perfectly sinless in every aspect?
The answer is yes—and no, in the proper understanding.
All who have received Jesus Christ and have been born again by the Holy Spirit are perfect in their standing before God concerning salvation. Their righteousness is complete in Christ. However, this does not mean they are incapable of making mistakes in their daily lives.
2 Corinthians 5:21“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
There is a difference between spiritual position and practical living.
A person may make mistakes such as:
These are human weaknesses or errors, but they do not remove a person from being a saint before God.
Likewise, if someone has just received Christ but has not yet understood certain truths—such as the need for water baptism according to the Gospel—they are still counted among the saints while they are growing in knowledge.
Mark 16:16“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
In the early stages of salvation, there are many things a believer may not yet know or understand. These do not disqualify them from being holy before God. However, when truth is revealed and a person knowingly rejects it, that is when they begin to lose alignment with holiness.
Let us read:
Revelation 22:11“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
Notice the phrase:
“He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
This shows that holiness is not a one-time event—it is a continuous process.
If a saint were already flawless in practice, why would Scripture say “let him be holy still”?
This reveals a deep truth:
👉 Holiness is progressive.👉 Sanctification is ongoing.
1 Thessalonians 4:3“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.”
2 Corinthians 7:1“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
There is no fixed level where one can say, “Now I have reached the final stage of holiness.” Instead, the believer continually grows.
You may feel today that you are spiritually upright and walking well in holiness. But after a season—through the study of the Word—you may discover areas where you were lacking. When you correct those areas:
👉 You have purified yourself further.
This does not mean you were not holy before. You were already a saint in Christ. But now:
👉 You have grown in holiness.
And as more truth is revealed and obeyed:
👉 You continue to increase in holiness.
Therefore, if we are to be counted among the saints, we must actively purify ourselves.
The question is:
Are you a saint?Are you actively purifying yourself?
We purify ourselves by:
John 17:17“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
Hebrews 10:25“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”
There are certain sins you will never recognize without the Word.There are certain weaknesses you will never overcome without prayer.
May the Lord bless you and continue to help us walk in holiness.
Philippians 2:12-13“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Share this message with others so that they too may grow in the knowledge of truth.
If you desire help in receiving Jesus Christ into your life, reach out and you will be guided freely.
The Lord bless you abundantly.
SELF-PURIFICATION IS THE SEAL OF HOLINESS
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In Acts 13:33, we read about “the second Psalm.” Which Psalm is this? And which are the first and the last?
Let’s begin by reading the passage:
Acts 13:32–33 “And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this He has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is referring to the Book of Psalms—specifically Psalm chapter 2, where we read:
Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’”
So, the simple meaning of “the second Psalm” mentioned in Acts 13:33 is Psalm chapter 2. That is where this prophecy is found.
In the same way:
We also see the writer of Hebrews quoting this same passage from the second Psalm:
Hebrews 1:5 “For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’? And again: ‘I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son’?”
And again in chapter 5:
Hebrews 5:5 “So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’”
Have you received Jesus? If not, what are you waiting for? These are the last days, and Jesus is coming soon.
May the Lord bless you.
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Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome as we reflect on the words of life.
Not every voice that comes to you with comfort is meant to truly comfort you. Not every voice that gives you hope intends to lead you to a hopeful end. Let us learn from our Lord Jesus Christ and how He discerned spirits.
Matthew 16:21–23 (KJV)“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Let us focus on this statement:“For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
This reveals a deep spiritual truth:Satan’s thoughts are not always presented as something obviously evil or demonic. Instead, they often come through human reasoning, human desires, and human emotions.
Satan studies what human beings love, desire, and long for—and then uses those very things as entry points to cause people to fall, especially in the early stages of their spiritual walk.
In this passage, Satan understood that human beings love comfort, encouragement, and avoidance of suffering. So he approached Jesus through Peter with a message that sounded caring and comforting:“You will not suffer. This will not happen to you.”
From a human perspective, that sounds loving. But from God’s perspective, it was a direct opposition to the will of God, because the cross was necessary for salvation.
However, Jesus Christ, being the Rock, discerned the source immediately. He recognized Satan working through Peter and rebuked him without hesitation.
This same principle continues today. Satan has not changed.
He still studies human desires:
People love encouragement
People dislike correction
People avoid discomfort and sacrifice
So what does he do?
He begins by comforting falsely, so that later he can destroy completely.
He may encourage you now—only to lead you into discouragement later that is so deep you cannot stand again.
Acts 2:40 (KJV)“Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
The Bible calls you to be saved now, but Satan whispers:“Not yet… first settle your life.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)“Pray without ceasing.”
The Bible calls you to a life of prayer, but Satan says:“You are too busy… you are tired from work.”
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…”
The Bible commands regular fellowship, but Satan says:“Work is too much… God understands.”
It sounds comforting—but its end is spiritual dryness and separation.
John 9:4 (KJV)“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
The Bible calls you to serve God now, but Satan says:“There is still time… others are praying for you.”
Luke 9:23 (KJV)“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
The Bible calls for self-denial, but Satan says:“Don’t worry… one day you will change. For now, just stay as you are. No one is perfect.”
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (KJV)“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators… shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
The Bible warns clearly, but Satan says:“You will not die… many are doing it and still living.”
All these are thoughts of Satan, yet they appear as human reasoning.
Therefore, we must be very careful.
1 John 4:1 (KJV)“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God…”
Not every comforting thought is from God.
Test every thought:
Does it align with the Word of God?
Does it lead to obedience or compromise?
If a thought contradicts God’s Word—even if it feels comforting—reject it immediately.
When such thoughts come, you must stand firm and declare:
“Get behind me, Satan!For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
True comfort from God may sometimes lead you through the cross before glory.False comfort from Satan avoids the cross—but ends in destruction.
Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
May the Lord help us to discern rightly, stand firmly in His Word, and walk in truth.
The Lord bless you.
1 Peter 1:23-25
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.For ‘All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,but the Word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the Word that was preached to you.”
The Word of God teaches us that a person who is truly saved is recognized as having been born a second time, not from perishable seed, but from imperishable seed. Yet many believers do not fully understand the purpose and significance of this imperishable seed.
Before we explore the imperishable seed, we must first understand what perishable seed is.
In Scripture, perishable seed represents human origin and natural life. Just as a human being begins as a child, grows into youth, and eventually ages and dies, all physical life is temporary. Peter illustrates this:
“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls.” (1 Peter 1:24)
Similarly, all earthly seeds—plants, animals, and fish—are perishable; they deteriorate over time and their quality diminishes.
In contrast, being born of imperishable seed means that your spiritual quality and essence do not diminish with time. This seed is the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). A person born of this seed does not grow weak spiritually, nor does their faith fade.
It is common to see believers who initially begin their spiritual journey with zeal—praying, studying the Word, serving diligently—but over time, they lose their fervor and even their faith. Spiritually, they “wither” like perishable seed.
At this point, we must ask: was this person truly born of the imperishable seed? If their salvation and spiritual vitality deteriorate over time, they may have experienced only external or superficial conversion, rather than a life rooted in the imperishable Word.
“And we all, with unveiled faces, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
If you recognize yourself as born of the imperishable seed, then your spiritual life should reflect daily renewal, growth, and endurance. This applies to all who serve in God’s kingdom:
Pastors: Lead your flock with unwavering diligence and faithfulness, in both easy and challenging times.
Evangelists: Continue to proclaim the Word throughout your life.
Church workers and servants: Remain steadfast in your role, serving with excellence.
Intercessors and prayer warriors: Maintain fervent prayer as evidence of the imperishable fire within you.
Do not settle for spiritual mediocrity or say, “I am tired.” You were born not of perishable seed, but of the imperishable Word of God, which endures forever. Your spiritual vitality is meant to persist and even increase with time.
Show forth this excellence and the peace of the Lord in every area of your life.
Maranatha!
Application:Share this message with others to encourage them in the imperishable life in Christ. If you would like to receive Jesus into your life freely, contact the numbers below or join the daily teaching on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10
Contact: +255693036618 or +255789001312
Blessings!
The Bible often speaks about “the testimonies of God.” What exactly does this mean?
We see this phrase in several passages, for example:
Psalm 119:2 (NKJV) Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart.
Psalm 119:22 (NKJV) Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:24 (NKJV) Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors.
Psalm 119:99 (NKJV) I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.
(See also: Psalm 119:119, 144; 132:12)
The word “testimonies” comes from the idea of bearing witness or giving evidence. It means confirming something as true.
For example, if I say, “That person is kind,” I am giving a testimony about them because I have personally seen that kindness—either in how they treated me or others.
This is different from someone speaking about themselves.
In the same way, God has declared certain things to be true. These are what the Bible calls His testimonies.
When God Himself confirms something, it gives us complete assurance that we will not go wrong by believing or following it. This is very different from human testimony, which can sometimes be unreliable or misleading.
The greatest testimony God has given is this:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and in Him is life.
1 John 5:9–12 (NKJV) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.
He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
This is the central testimony of God—and it is the message we are called to share with the world: that in Jesus Christ there is redemption and eternal life.
Acts 4:33 (NKJV) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
There is also another testimony God gives:
Those who believe in Christ are children of God.
This is something God confirms within us through His Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:16–17 (NKJV) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Jesus is not the only Son in the sense that we are excluded—through faith in Him, we too become children of God.
John 1:12 (NKJV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Because of this, when we face suffering as Christ did, we should not be afraid or discouraged. Instead, we can rejoice.
Why? Because just as Christ suffered and later entered into glory, we too will share in that same glory.
God wants us to live boldly in this world—not as orphans, but as children who know they have a loving Father in heaven who is deeply involved in every part of their lives.
If God Himself has confirmed that we are His children, why should we doubt it? Why should people deny it? Why should the world reject it?
To “keep His testimonies” means:
The word **sanctification** is often understood only from the perspective of **God sanctifying us** (see **1 Thessalonians 5:23**). At other times Scripture also speaks about **believers sanctifying themselves** (see **1 Peter 1:22**).
However, many believers overlook another biblical truth: **Scripture also speaks about sanctifying Christ**. This statement appears in the following passage:
> **1 Peter 3:14–15 (NKJV)**
> “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. **But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts**, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
This raises an important question:
**How can Christ be sanctified if He is already perfect and holy?**
The apostle Peter gives the answer:
**“Sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts.”**
This means that Christ is not sanctified in the sense that we make Him holier than He already is—because **Christ Himself is perfectly holy**. Rather, **He is sanctified within our hearts**, meaning that **our hearts become the place where His holiness, honor, and lordship are recognized and exalted**.
In biblical understanding, **to sanctify** means **to set something apart, to honor it as holy, or to restore it to its rightful place of glory**.
Therefore, **sanctifying Christ in our hearts** means giving Him the **highest place of honor, glory, and authority in our inner life**.
There are several ways through which a believer sanctifies Christ in their heart.
—
# 1. Accepting the Way of the Cross
Peter connects sanctifying Christ with **suffering for righteousness**.
> **1 Peter 3:14 (NKJV)**
> “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
There are times when you may be **hated simply because you refuse to lie**,
or you may **lose your job because you refuse to take a bribe**,
or you may be **persecuted because you preach the gospel**,
or even **attacked because you rebuke sin**.
In such moments many people choose to avoid suffering by **compromising with evil**. Yet when we compromise, we push Christ aside from His rightful place in our hearts.
But when believers **stand firmly for truth and righteousness**, even at a cost, **Christ is greatly honored within them**.
After all, Christ Himself **suffered for righteousness**. He was mocked, beaten, and crucified because He stood for the truth.
> **1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV)**
> “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
Therefore, when Christ sees believers **walking in His footsteps**, His glory shines brightly through their lives.
Do not avoid costly trials if they come because you stand for righteousness.
**Sanctify Christ in your heart.**
# 2. Praising Him for His Grace
Another way to sanctify Christ in your heart is **through heartfelt praise for His grace**.
> **Ephesians 1:6–7 (NKJV)**
> “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
When you deeply understand **what Christ accomplished on the cross**, you begin to realize that **your redemption, forgiveness, and salvation came through His sacrifice**.
The more you **meditate on the grace of salvation**, the more your heart overflows with **praise, thanksgiving, and worship**.
When Christ sees that you truly value His finished work on the cross, **He is greatly exalted in your heart**.
> **Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)**
> “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
# 3. Sacrificing for Him Generously
Remember the woman who anointed Jesus with **costly perfume**. Others thought it was a waste, but Jesus called it **a beautiful act of devotion**.
> **Mark 14:6–8 (NKJV)**
> “But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could.’”
Similarly, in **Luke 7**, a sinful woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and worshiped Him with deep repentance and love.
These acts were **extravagant expressions of devotion**.
Giving generously to God—whether through offerings, service, or sacrifice—is not about **persuading God with material things**. God cannot be bribed.
But such acts **reveal a heart that treasures Christ above everything else**, and this greatly honors Him.
> **Romans 12:1 (NKJV)**
> “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
When you give sacrificially, **Christ is sanctified in your heart**.
# 4. Walking with Him in Prayer
Christ reveals His glory especially to those who **walk closely with Him in prayer**.
Jesus had **twelve apostles**, but among them there were **three who often accompanied Him in deeper moments of prayer**: Peter, James, and John.
When Jesus went up the mountain and was **transfigured**, these three disciples witnessed His glory.
> **Matthew 17:2 (NKJV)**
> “And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.”
They saw Christ in a **new dimension of glory** because they were close to Him.
Likewise, when believers **spend much time in prayer**, Christ becomes **more real, more glorious, and more central in their hearts**.
Prayer deepens fellowship with Christ.
> **James 4:8 (NKJV)**
> “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
The closer you draw to Him in prayer, the more **Christ is sanctified in your heart**.
# Conclusion
You sanctify Christ in your heart when:
* You **accept suffering for righteousness with Him**
* You **praise Him for the grace of the cross**
* You **give sacrificially for His work**
* You **walk closely with Him in prayer**
When these things become part of your life, **Christ is greatly honored and exalted within your heart**.
If you would like help **receiving Jesus Christ into your life**, feel free to reach out for prayer and guidance.
> **Romans 10:9 (NKJV)**
> “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
May the Lord bless you abundantly.
The use of the Blood of does not end with merely declaring, “By the Blood of Jesus!” whenever we have a need and expecting the matter to instantly obey. No—it goes far deeper than that. Even demons know the Lord Jesus and they know His Blood.
Therefore, evil spirits are not intimidated simply because someone casually mentions the name of Jesus or His Blood while lacking the spiritual legitimacy and authority to use that Name. Consider what happened to the seven sons of Sceva:
Acts 19:14–16 (NKJV)“Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.And the evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?’Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”
This passage reveals a profound spiritual truth: authority is not in pronunciation—it is in relationship and covenant.
There is only one principle by which we receive authority in the Blood of Jesus:We must have a blood relationship with Him.
You may ask: Is it possible for one person to have a blood relationship with Jesus while another does not?Yes—it is absolutely possible. Scripture makes this clear.
For someone to be called your relative, there must be a shared bloodline. You may not resemble each other physically, but blood testifies to your relationship. Even scientifically, blood determines lineage and identity.
Likewise, Jesus Christ has His own blood relatives. How do we identify them? Let us read:
Matthew 12:47–50 (NKJV)“Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers!For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’”
Do you see the qualification?Jesus’ brothers and sisters are not identified by education, beauty, status, or popularity. They are identified by obedience.
They are those who do the will of the Father in heaven.
To become a blood relative of Jesus, we must:
This aligns with the theology of covenant and regeneration. When we repent and believe the gospel, we are born again (John 3:3), adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15–17), and spiritually united with Christ. Through salvation, we partake in the benefits of His atoning Blood.
The Blood of Jesus is not a magical phrase—it is covenantal power. It speaks on behalf of those who belong to Him.
Hebrews 12:24 (NKJV)“To Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”
The blood of Abel cried out for vengeance (Genesis 4:10), but the Blood of Jesus speaks mercy, forgiveness, justification, and reconciliation. However, it speaks effectively for those who are in covenant with Him.
If you do not know the will of God, how can you confidently claim the authority of His Blood? If you are not walking in obedience, how can you expect covenant privileges?
Scripture further confirms this spiritual blood relationship:
Hebrews 2:11–15 (NKJV)“For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.’And again: ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again: ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.’Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Notice the progression:
This is not symbolic language—it is redemptive reality.
Are you truly a brother or sister of Jesus?Do you know God’s will for your life?Are you living in obedience to it?
If you are unsure, then the foundation must be laid first: repentance, surrender, faith in Christ, and a life yielded to the Father’s will.
Only then does the Blood of Jesus speak powerfully on your behalf—not merely as words on your lips, but as covenant authority in your spirit.
May the Lord help us walk in true relationship, not empty declarations.May His Blood speak better things over your life.
If you desire help in receiving Jesus into your life, seek godly counsel and surrender your heart fully to Him.
Proverbs 29:20“Have you seen someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (NIV)
A person who is quick to speak is someone who talks without thinking or controlling their words. Speaking without restraint often leads to jokes that offend, quarrels, anger, lies, and conflict.
For example, someone might insult you, and you get angry inside. Because you can’t hold back, you respond with harsh words and end up insulting them back.
Or you might notice something that isn’t right, and if you say it without thinking, what you meant to be simple could spark a fight, cause blame, or create confusion — all because your words came out too quickly.
Even swearing and blasphemy often come from careless speech — speaking without wisdom or restraint.
Matthew 12:36–37 (ESV) says:
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This verse helps explain why the proverb says there is “more hope for a fool.” It reminds us just how powerful our words are.
The Bible also compares the tongue to fire — a small part of the body that can set an entire forest ablaze. So it’s important that we are thoughtful and careful before we speak.
James 1:19 (NIV) says:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Words have incredible power, and we should learn every day to control our speech.
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
When I first reflected on this verse, I asked myself: when Jesus says “A NEW COMMANDMENT”, what exactly is new about it?
After all, the command to love is not new. It existed long before, as taught in the Torah:
Leviticus 19:18
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”
Loving one another was already a command. So why does Jesus call it “new”? The difference is in the example and depth of love:
“Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
The love Jesus commands is not generic love—it is modeled after His own love, not the conventional human love of the world.
It was perfect, complete, and unwavering.
John 13:1
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”
This “to the end” love is absolute. Jesus did not love only under certain circumstances; He loved His disciples fully, from the heart, regardless of what would happen.
He chose to love despite their failures, showing the radical, self-giving love of God. This is the new commandment: love to the fullest extent, without conditions.
It is easy to love someone when they are kind, helpful, or pleasing to us. But what about when they hurt, betray, or ridicule us?
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
The essence of the new commandment is a love willing to sacrifice, forgive, and endure, extending even to those who are difficult or hostile.
2 John 1:5
“And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.”
Yes, the command to love is timeless, but what makes it new is the standard of love set by Jesus Himself. It is a love that goes beyond the ordinary, human love.
May the Lord be with you. Shalom
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”— 1 Samuel 30:6
There are moments in life when the people around you may turn against you. And if not people, then circumstances and situations may oppose you so strongly that you feel like giving up on standing or moving forward. When you look to the right and to the left, there is nothing supporting you—neither people nor possessions.
This is what happened to David. The same man who had once been celebrated with songs of praise—“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands”—the one who was loved and honored, now found that everything had changed. They wanted to stone him. They wanted him dead.
He could not see anyone to hold his hand, lift him up, or comfort him. Yet he did not sit down and cry, saying, “Lord, why do I not see a helper?” He did not say, “Lord, look at all the kindness I showed them, and today they want to stone me.”
Although David was in deep distress, the Scriptures tell us that he strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
He did not seek strength from people.
As a result, when he pursued the enemy army, he overtook them, defeated them, and recovered all the captives who had been taken, along with many possessions. It became a great victory.
But all of it began with strengthening himself inwardly. That was David’s key to success.
Today, many people remain waiting for comfort from others, for encouragement from others, for validation from others. Indeed, those things are good. But when they disappear, their vision dies with them.
However, if we strengthen ourselves in the Lord, we will succeed in every season—even in difficult times.
We do not succeed first and then strengthen ourselves in the Lord. We strengthen ourselves first—then victory comes afterward. That is the spiritual principle.
Before strategies and plans, we must first prepare ourselves inwardly. We must trust the God who called us, believing that He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Then we move forward to fulfill the vision.
Walk in that principle. Remove your expectations from human beings.
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