Let Us Help, Not Hurt Others
It seems like everywhere we turn; we hear harsh words, angry voices, and constant criticism. Social media, television, and even everyday conversations are often filled with insults, arguments, and put-downs. In today's world, kindness, compassion, and encouraging others can sometimes seem old-fashioned. Too often, the loudest and most aggressive voices get the most attention.
More than 350 years ago, the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes observed that without moral boundaries, life would become "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Sadly, we still see evidence of that today. Many people believe the way to get ahead is by putting someone else down, intimidating others, or looking out only for themselves. But God calls us to live differently.
God doesn't want us to be controlled by anger, selfishness, or the desire to hurt others. Instead, He wants us to experience the joy that comes from living His way. The Bible tells us, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). It also reminds us that many of our conflicts begin in our own hearts (James 4:1). That's why God invites us to leave behind our old way of living and put on a new nature—one that reflects His character (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Rather than trying to dominate, criticize, or discourage people, God wants us to show His love in the way we live. He calls us to display the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, this week, let's make a simple decision. When we're tempted to hurt someone with our words, let's choose to encourage them instead. When we could respond with sarcasm, let's offer kindness.
When we're tempted to put ourselves first, let's look for ways to help someone else succeed. The world has seen enough people tearing each other down. It needs people who will build others up. As followers of Christ, let's be that light. Through our words, our actions, and our love, we can show others that there is a better way to live—a life that reflects the heart of God.
Nehemiah 8:10
New International Version
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
James 4:1
New International Version
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?
Ephesians 4:22-24
New International Version
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Galatians 5:22-23
New International Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
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