WEEKLY MESSAGE
SUN, 18/01/26 - SAT, 24/01/26
ON THE MESSAGE THIS WEEK: ENDURE
KEY VERSE: “ENDURE HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST” (2 TIMOTHY 2:3)
There are two kinds of criticism: constructive criticism and destructive criticism. One builds you up and the other tears you down. Be wise in how you respond to unfounded criticism and gossip. When your critic wants to remain anonymous, they’re not worthy of your response. The story’s told of a pastor who received a letter that contained only one word - FOOL!
The next Sunday, he held it up and said to the congregation, ‘I received the strangest letter this past week.’ He read the one-word text and said, ‘Somebody wrote it and forgot to sign it!’ (Smiles)
You say, ‘But they are attempting to hurt my reputation.’ D.L. Moody said, ‘If I take care of my character, God will take care of my reputation’ (see Isaiah 54:17). Any time you’re involved in a worthy cause, people will not only try to beat you down, but keep you down. In training Timothy for ministry, Paul told him to ‘endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ’. Difficult people are placed in our path not to defeat us, but develop us. Leaders know this, so they stay and finish the job regardless of the cost.
Just like the captain goes down with the ship, the true leader stays until the work is done. You say, ‘Then how should I respond?’ By praying for them! Jesus said, ‘Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you... and you will be sons of the Most High’ (see Luke 6:28, 35).
Some of us excel in our careers, but act like a bull in a china shop when it comes to our relationships. Then we rationalise it by saying, ‘I didn’t mean any harm,’ or ‘That’s just my way.’ Sorry, God doesn’t let us off the hook that easily. When someone irritates you, God requires you to do two things:
1) Be the first to reach out. You may be right, but if you’re resentful, what good is it? Instead of nursing a grudge or waiting for the other person to apologise, be first to reach out. Someone else’s response neither validates nor invalidates your decision to forgive. Think about it: if you had only a year to live, would you give such things another second of your time? No! The Bible says, ‘Forgiving... as God... has forgiven you’ (see Ephesians 4:32). God made the first move in forgiving us so we’d know how to do it for others.
2) Be understanding. When some of us argue our point, we bulldoze everybody and everything in our way. Purpose-driven, time-conscious, goal-oriented people can be guilty of this. The Bible says, ‘Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God... forgave you.’
Chances are the people who get under your skin aren’t trying to complicate your life; they’re struggling to cope with their own. Once you understand there’s no ill will intended, you begin to feel compassion for them. That’s how it is with God. ‘He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle’ (see Isaiah 42:3).
This week, ask Him to help you show His love towards those who attack you.
Have a victorious week in Jesus' Name, Amen.
(Article/ extract from ucb,wordfortoday)
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Did you know: There are almost 20 different passages in the Bible where it is mentioned that we are God's people.
Ref: Jeremiah 32:38 / Ezekiel 14:11 / Zechariah 8:8 / 2 Corinthians 6:16 / Hebrews 8:10 / Ezekiel 11:20 / Ezekiel 37:23 / Jeremiah 7:23 / Jeremiah 31:33 / Ezekiel 37:27 / Jeremiah 31:1 / Revelation 21:3 / Exodus 6:7 / Leviticus 26:12 / Jeremiah 11:4 / Jeremiah 30:22 / Ezekiel 36:28.