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  • Our BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER for today is............................

    According to Acts 20:9, from where did Eutychus fall while Paul was speaking?

    The Answer: B. He wanted to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.

    #LordsbookDailys #DailyBibleTrivia #BibleQuiz #BibleTriviaAnswer
    Our BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER for today is............................🥁🥁🥁🥁 ❓According to Acts 20:9, from where did Eutychus fall while Paul was speaking? ➡️ The Answer: B. He wanted to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. #LordsbookDailys #DailyBibleTrivia #BibleQuiz #BibleTriviaAnswer
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  • Good evening, brethren.
    1. Evening devotion for today.

    ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
    (COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

    *DATE:*
    SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026.

    *SUB-THEME:*
    YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE.

    *TOPIC:*
    PURSUIT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

    *TEXT:*
    EPHESIANS 4:13-14.
    13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
    14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

    *TOPIC:*
    PURSUIT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

    *THE MESSAGE:*
    The Holy Spirit bestows special gifts on believers to equip and edify them for spiritual maturity. The goal is for believers to attain the "unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God", growing into the fullness of Christ (v. 13). Paul contrasts this maturity with spiritual immaturity (v. 14). Warning against being misled by false teachings and deceptive doctrines. Instead, believers are to speak the truth in love, growing up in every way into Christ, who is the Head of the body. Many, especially the young, are misled by human philosophies. For example, relativism - which teaches that there is no absolute truth, what is true for you may not be true for me. Are you growing in the faith? Maintain a consistent life of Prayer, Bible Study, and Christian Fellowship to grow in maturity.

    *REFLECTION:*
    Desire spiritual nourishment.

    *PRAYER:*
    Lord, help me to crave spiritual growth. Amen.

    *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
    2 TIMOTHY 2:21.
    "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work."

    *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
    EZEKIEL 29-30.

    ED.ii. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

    "Be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:18

    According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit is a Person. Let this message penetrate your mind. When Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit, Jesus always refers to 'He'. HE is not a thing but a person. We see in the Bible that the Holy Spirit has a mind, emotions and a will. The Holy Spirit speaks. Revelation 2:7 says: 'Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

    The Holy Spirit intercedes. Romans 8:26 says: 'The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.'

    The Holy Spirit testifies. John 15:26 says: 'The Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father — He will testify about Me.'

    The Holy Spirit shows the way. John 16:13 says: 'But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.'

    The Holy Spirit leads. Romans 8:14 says: 'For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.'

    The Holy Spirit gives instructions. Acts 16:6 says: '…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.'

    The Holy Spirit appoints. Acts 20:28 says: 'Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.'

    The Holy Spirit is also a Person to whom you can lie. Read the history of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. You can insult (see Hebrews 10:29), blaspheme (see Matthew 12:31) and grieve the Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30).

    The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person and is everywhere. Today God still wants to fill His children with His Holy Spirit!


    https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

    Evening Prayer for today.

    EP.i. Evening Prayer

    A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3

    God loves importunate prayer so much that He will not give us much blessing without it. ⏤ Adoniram Judson

    O Lord, You are our Shepherd; we will lack nothing. You make us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still waters. You have been our Shepherd today. We have been in Your pastures as we have read Your word and worshiped with Your people.

    We bow at Your throne with grateful hearts at the close of this day. We gather up the precious fragments of this day to carry with us, to feed upon in the days ahead. You have kept our feet from stumbling, our eyes from tears, and our souls from death.

    We have walked with Jesus, and our hearts have burned within us as He talked with us along the way.

    We ask You to fix deep in our hearts all the good impressions, lessons learned, and influences that have touched our lives today. Too often, we make sincere resolves and promises while our hearts are warmed with love, only to forget them tomorrow. Fix this Sunday's teachings so deeply in our minds that we never lose them. May we be stronger in faith, more earnest in purpose, and more holy in thought and feeling because of our communion with You this day.

    Ever-living God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps—take charge of our bodies and souls during the dark hours of the night. Give us refreshing rest and sleep. Let tomorrow be sweet and holy, made so by the blessings of Sunday flowing into it. May we carry the fragrance of this day into the world’s life. And to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory forever and ever. Amen.

    https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/evening

    #taptapstudio
    #youdevotion.
    Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* PURSUIT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH. *TEXT:* EPHESIANS 4:13-14. 13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. *TOPIC:* PURSUIT OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH. *THE MESSAGE:* The Holy Spirit bestows special gifts on believers to equip and edify them for spiritual maturity. The goal is for believers to attain the "unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God", growing into the fullness of Christ (v. 13). Paul contrasts this maturity with spiritual immaturity (v. 14). Warning against being misled by false teachings and deceptive doctrines. Instead, believers are to speak the truth in love, growing up in every way into Christ, who is the Head of the body. Many, especially the young, are misled by human philosophies. For example, relativism - which teaches that there is no absolute truth, what is true for you may not be true for me. Are you growing in the faith? Maintain a consistent life of Prayer, Bible Study, and Christian Fellowship to grow in maturity. *REFLECTION:* Desire spiritual nourishment. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to crave spiritual growth. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 29-30. ED.ii. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? "Be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:18 According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit is a Person. Let this message penetrate your mind. When Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit, Jesus always refers to 'He'. HE is not a thing but a person. We see in the Bible that the Holy Spirit has a mind, emotions and a will. The Holy Spirit speaks. Revelation 2:7 says: 'Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' The Holy Spirit intercedes. Romans 8:26 says: 'The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.' The Holy Spirit testifies. John 15:26 says: 'The Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father — He will testify about Me.' The Holy Spirit shows the way. John 16:13 says: 'But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.' The Holy Spirit leads. Romans 8:14 says: 'For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.' The Holy Spirit gives instructions. Acts 16:6 says: '…having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.' The Holy Spirit appoints. Acts 20:28 says: 'Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.' The Holy Spirit is also a Person to whom you can lie. Read the history of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. You can insult (see Hebrews 10:29), blaspheme (see Matthew 12:31) and grieve the Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person and is everywhere. Today God still wants to fill His children with His Holy Spirit! https://www.theblessingdevotional.com Evening Prayer for today. EP.i. Evening Prayer A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⏤ Psalm 23:1-3 God loves importunate prayer so much that He will not give us much blessing without it. ⏤ Adoniram Judson O Lord, You are our Shepherd; we will lack nothing. You make us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still waters. You have been our Shepherd today. We have been in Your pastures as we have read Your word and worshiped with Your people. We bow at Your throne with grateful hearts at the close of this day. We gather up the precious fragments of this day to carry with us, to feed upon in the days ahead. You have kept our feet from stumbling, our eyes from tears, and our souls from death. We have walked with Jesus, and our hearts have burned within us as He talked with us along the way. We ask You to fix deep in our hearts all the good impressions, lessons learned, and influences that have touched our lives today. Too often, we make sincere resolves and promises while our hearts are warmed with love, only to forget them tomorrow. Fix this Sunday's teachings so deeply in our minds that we never lose them. May we be stronger in faith, more earnest in purpose, and more holy in thought and feeling because of our communion with You this day. Ever-living God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps—take charge of our bodies and souls during the dark hours of the night. Give us refreshing rest and sleep. Let tomorrow be sweet and holy, made so by the blessings of Sunday flowing into it. May we carry the fragrance of this day into the world’s life. And to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory forever and ever. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/49/evening #taptapstudio #youdevotion.
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  • The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
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  • The Remnant Bible Academy
    Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word.
    100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost.
    Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life.
    Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
    Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge.
    A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community.
    Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity.
    https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
    The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/
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  • To be more specific, all the Christians in a local assembly are called to
    • be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10)
    • honor one another (Rom. 12:10)
    • live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8)
    • love one another (Rom. 13:8; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11)
    • edify one another (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11b)
    • accept one another (Rom. 15:7)
    • instruct one another (Rom. 15:14)
    • greet one another (Rom. 16:16)
    • agree with one another (1 Cor. 1:10)
    • discipline fallen members (1 Cor. 5:3–5; 6:1–6)
    • organize the church’s affairs (1 Cor. 11:33–34; 14:39–40; 16:2–3)
    • care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)
    • prophesy one by one (1 Cor. 14:31)
    • abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)
    • serve one another (Gal. 5:13)
    • bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)
    • bear with one another (Eph. 4:2)
    • be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph. 4:32)
    • speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19)
    • submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)
    • forgive one another (Col. 3:13)
    • teach one another (Col. 3:16)
    • admonish one another (Col. 3:16)
    • encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11)
    • warn the unruly (1 Thess. 5:14)
    • comfort the feeble (1 Thess. 5:14)
    • support the weak (1 Thess. 5:14)
    • exhort one another (Heb. 3:13; 10:25)
    • incite one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24)
    • pray for one another (James 5:16)
    • confess sins to one another (James 5:16)
    • offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
    • be humble toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)
    • fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)
    To be more specific, all the Christians in a local assembly are called to • be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10) • honor one another (Rom. 12:10) • live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16; 1 Peter 3:8) • love one another (Rom. 13:8; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11) • edify one another (Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11b) • accept one another (Rom. 15:7) • instruct one another (Rom. 15:14) • greet one another (Rom. 16:16) • agree with one another (1 Cor. 1:10) • discipline fallen members (1 Cor. 5:3–5; 6:1–6) • organize the church’s affairs (1 Cor. 11:33–34; 14:39–40; 16:2–3) • care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25) • prophesy one by one (1 Cor. 14:31) • abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58) • serve one another (Gal. 5:13) • bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2) • bear with one another (Eph. 4:2) • be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph. 4:32) • speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19) • submit to one another (Eph. 5:21) • forgive one another (Col. 3:13) • teach one another (Col. 3:16) • admonish one another (Col. 3:16) • encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11) • warn the unruly (1 Thess. 5:14) • comfort the feeble (1 Thess. 5:14) • support the weak (1 Thess. 5:14) • exhort one another (Heb. 3:13; 10:25) • incite one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24) • pray for one another (James 5:16) • confess sins to one another (James 5:16) • offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9) • be humble toward one another (1 Peter 5:5) • fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)
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  • Bible Trivia — August 23

    Question: According to Acts 20:16, why did Paul choose to sail past Ephesus?

    #LordsbookDailys #BibleTrivia #Acts2016 #BibleQuiz #GetInTheWord #DailyInspiration #FaithOnline #GrowInFaith #PurposefulMission
    📘 Bible Trivia — August 23 ❓ Question: According to Acts 20:16, why did Paul choose to sail past Ephesus? #LordsbookDailys #BibleTrivia #Acts2016 #BibleQuiz #GetInTheWord #DailyInspiration #FaithOnline #GrowInFaith #PurposefulMission
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  • In short, the Bible unshakably demonstrates that a plurality of elders oversaw the activity of the early churches. No church in the first century had a single leader. Consequently, the commonly accepted notion of sola pastora (single pastor) is at odds with the New Testament. The Bible knows nothing of a person who stands at the helm of a local church, directs its affairs, preaches to it every Sunday, conducts its baptisms, represents it in the world, officiates its Communion (or Lord’s Supper), blesses civic events, marries the living, and buries the dead. No such person exists in the entire New Testament.
    In short, the Bible unshakably demonstrates that a plurality of elders oversaw the activity of the early churches. No church in the first century had a single leader. Consequently, the commonly accepted notion of sola pastora (single pastor) is at odds with the New Testament. The Bible knows nothing of a person who stands at the helm of a local church, directs its affairs, preaches to it every Sunday, conducts its baptisms, represents it in the world, officiates its Communion (or Lord’s Supper), blesses civic events, marries the living, and buries the dead. No such person exists in the entire New Testament.
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  • Loving and Gracious in All Things

    “There are those people who would say, ‘I’d rather deal with somebody who is rude, antagonistic and sarcastic, but when it really matters, is there for us in the big challenges of life.’

    But when one reads the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, the character of God is such that He expects us not only to be loving and gracious on the big things, but also on the little things. To be loving and gracious only when it really matters, or only when it is convenient, is not the character of Christ. We must be loving and gracious in all things—big and small.”

    Christian Character Is Revealed in the Little Things

    It is easy to admire someone who stands beside us during a great crisis. Faithfulness in difficult times matters. But Christianity calls us to something deeper.

    God does not ask us to love only when the circumstances are serious. He calls us to love in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

    Jesus said:

    “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10

    The little things matter because the little things reveal the heart.

    How do we speak when we are irritated?
    How do we treat someone who inconveniences us?
    How do we respond when someone disagrees with us?
    How do we speak about people who aren’t present?

    These things may seem insignificant to the world, but they are not insignificant to God.

    Love Is Not Selective

    Jesus gave His followers a standard far higher than simply being decent when it is convenient:

    “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” — John 13:34

    Christ’s love was not reserved for emergencies. It was woven into everything He did.

    Paul says:

    “Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

    Notice the word all.

    Not some things.

    Not the important things.

    All things.

    Our speech, our attitudes, our reactions and our relationships are all opportunities to reflect Christ.

    Paul also says:

    “Let your speech be always with grace.” — Colossians 4:6

    Always.

    Not only when we are preaching.

    Not only when we are dealing with someone we love.

    Not only when someone is watching.

    Always.

    Even When People Are Difficult

    Christian love is tested most when people are difficult.

    Jesus said:

    “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” — Matthew 5:44

    This does not mean Christians must tolerate abuse or refuse to confront wrongdoing. But even when we must establish boundaries or correct someone, we are not permitted to abandon Christlike love.

    Proverbs tells us:

    “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1

    And Paul commands:

    “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32

    Kindness is not weakness. Grace is not weakness. Forgiveness is not weakness.

    These are marks of someone being transformed by Christ.

    The Fruit of the Spirit Should Be Seen Every Day

    Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit:

    “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23

    Notice how many of these qualities are revealed in ordinary interactions.

    Longsuffering. Gentleness. Goodness. Meekness.

    A person may demonstrate extraordinary courage during a crisis and still need the Holy Spirit to teach them patience in everyday life.

    Someone may sacrifice greatly for another person and yet continually wound others with their words.

    Christianity is not merely about doing great things occasionally. It is about becoming a person whose ordinary life reflects Jesus Christ.

    Christ in the Big and the Small

    Paul writes:

    “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17

    Whatever you do.

    That includes the dramatic moments of life—and the mundane ones.

    So yes, be the person who stands beside someone when tragedy strikes.

    Be the person who answers the call when someone is hurting.

    But also:

    Be kind when nothing important is happening.

    Be patient when you are irritated.

    Speak graciously when you could speak harshly.

    Forgive the small offenses.

    Refuse to return sarcasm with sarcasm and hostility with hostility.

    Because the Christian calling is not simply to be loving when “it really matters.”

    It is to be loving because Christ lives in us.

    Jesus said:

    “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35

    The world should see Christ not only in how we respond to life’s greatest tragedies, but in how we behave on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon.

    Love in the big things.

    Love in the little things.

    Grace in the big things.

    Grace in the little things.

    Mercy in the big things.

    Mercy in the little things.

    Because there are no insignificant moments when we are called to represent Jesus Christ.

    “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

    That is the Christian life: not occasional goodness, but a life increasingly shaped by the character of Christ.
    Loving and Gracious in All Things “There are those people who would say, ‘I’d rather deal with somebody who is rude, antagonistic and sarcastic, but when it really matters, is there for us in the big challenges of life.’ But when one reads the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, the character of God is such that He expects us not only to be loving and gracious on the big things, but also on the little things. To be loving and gracious only when it really matters, or only when it is convenient, is not the character of Christ. We must be loving and gracious in all things—big and small.” Christian Character Is Revealed in the Little Things It is easy to admire someone who stands beside us during a great crisis. Faithfulness in difficult times matters. But Christianity calls us to something deeper. God does not ask us to love only when the circumstances are serious. He calls us to love in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Jesus said: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10 The little things matter because the little things reveal the heart. How do we speak when we are irritated? How do we treat someone who inconveniences us? How do we respond when someone disagrees with us? How do we speak about people who aren’t present? These things may seem insignificant to the world, but they are not insignificant to God. Love Is Not Selective Jesus gave His followers a standard far higher than simply being decent when it is convenient: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you.” — John 13:34 Christ’s love was not reserved for emergencies. It was woven into everything He did. Paul says: “Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 Notice the word all. Not some things. Not the important things. All things. Our speech, our attitudes, our reactions and our relationships are all opportunities to reflect Christ. Paul also says: “Let your speech be always with grace.” — Colossians 4:6 Always. Not only when we are preaching. Not only when we are dealing with someone we love. Not only when someone is watching. Always. Even When People Are Difficult Christian love is tested most when people are difficult. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” — Matthew 5:44 This does not mean Christians must tolerate abuse or refuse to confront wrongdoing. But even when we must establish boundaries or correct someone, we are not permitted to abandon Christlike love. Proverbs tells us: “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1 And Paul commands: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 Kindness is not weakness. Grace is not weakness. Forgiveness is not weakness. These are marks of someone being transformed by Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit Should Be Seen Every Day Paul describes the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Galatians 5:22–23 Notice how many of these qualities are revealed in ordinary interactions. Longsuffering. Gentleness. Goodness. Meekness. A person may demonstrate extraordinary courage during a crisis and still need the Holy Spirit to teach them patience in everyday life. Someone may sacrifice greatly for another person and yet continually wound others with their words. Christianity is not merely about doing great things occasionally. It is about becoming a person whose ordinary life reflects Jesus Christ. Christ in the Big and the Small Paul writes: “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do. That includes the dramatic moments of life—and the mundane ones. So yes, be the person who stands beside someone when tragedy strikes. Be the person who answers the call when someone is hurting. But also: Be kind when nothing important is happening. Be patient when you are irritated. Speak graciously when you could speak harshly. Forgive the small offenses. Refuse to return sarcasm with sarcasm and hostility with hostility. Because the Christian calling is not simply to be loving when “it really matters.” It is to be loving because Christ lives in us. Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 The world should see Christ not only in how we respond to life’s greatest tragedies, but in how we behave on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Love in the big things. Love in the little things. Grace in the big things. Grace in the little things. Mercy in the big things. Mercy in the little things. Because there are no insignificant moments when we are called to represent Jesus Christ. “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 That is the Christian life: not occasional goodness, but a life increasingly shaped by the character of Christ.
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