08/18

August 18

Romans 16

In Romans 16, we can learn from the Apostle Paul as he ends his letter. We should be grateful for loyal leaders, we should be on guard for those who cause division and difficulty, we should have discernment between right and wrong, we should value our true Christian friends, and we should always give God the glory.

Psalm 109-111

Love isn’t always reciprocated with love. Some people are hurting or angry, some proud and controlling, some have mistrust or fear, some struggle with shame or guilt, and others are rebellious with a hardened heart. While we would love to have a storybook ending where Satan loses and everyone receives redemption, we know that isn’t the case. Sometimes in return for our love, people become our adversaries, like in Psalm 109:4. We shouldn’t be surprised at this. One, if they become adversaries of God and reject His love, why would we expect they wouldn’t do the same to us? Two, if someone is dealing with sin or the effects of sin, they may have a soul that is broken, dysfunctional, or perpetually wounded. Three, everyone has a right to choose, and some may not choose love. Four, Satan may have a hold on them, and they need deliverance. What is our response? The psalmist says, “but I resort to prayer.” If we truly love people, we don’t give up on them. We pray for deliverance from Satan, for the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts, for healing and restoration, and a revelation of their need for God. God’s love never gives up on us, so let’s love people with the love He provides (Romans 5:5).

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