Following the news reports from around the world can leave one discouraged.
Brutal wars, rampaging disease, pervasive corruption, dissolving moral values and disintegrating families… they’re all realities that drag our hearts down and can pull us under emotionally if we let them.
These are very difficult times. And that’s not even considering the burdensome personal struggles that many of us face.
It’s vital to remember, however, that 1st Century Christians typically faced much worse in their everyday lives as compared to you and me.
Yes, many Christians in other parts of the world are facing biblical-scale persecution. But even they are offered encouragement from the Apostle Paul who wrote the words below after he had already faced repeated persecution and had 16 more years of persecution awaiting him before his martyrdom.
These words should be woven into the fabric of our faith:
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
No matter how bad the news or how bad our circumstances, God is still on His throne.
His Word is still true.
His Spirit is still speaking to us.
His Son’s blood still cleanses sin.
Understanding these facts can spur us to express the love of God to people around us who are looking for love in all the wrong places.
God’s love endures.
So should ours.
Let’s love others the way that Christ loves us.
Sacrificially.
No matter how bad things get for us in this darkening world, we know that nothing evil can destroy the eternal joy that awaits in heaven for those who remain faithful
As always, I love you
Martin
