PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Mar
25

Freedom In Christ

Richard Waialeale

Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV) 23 "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Observation
The lesson for me today comes in a way of a specific situation. What I feel the Bible is saying to me is that freedom needs to be controlled by the love for people. Let’s say a friend is struggling with something, and let’s say its unforgiveness. This friend openly shares of his struggle and for years he’s been talking about this same situation, and I’ve heard it before (it’s like we’re circling the wagon over and over). Yet all I do is affirm his unforgiveness and do nothing to grow him out from unforgiveness. Then I’m no friend at all. If I’m clearly aware of it and I do nothing except agree with him, affirm him and baby him along the way, I am not growing him or speaking life to him.
Application
What I believe must happen is to break this bondage of unforgiveness, of holding offenses and allow God’s blessing to flow once again. Speak to this friend in love, being sensitive yet wanting what’s best for him. Share with my friend that this is going to hurt, but please know my heart when I tell you this, and that I love you too much to see you destroyed by this offense - and then with kindness and firmness move him out from this bondage into growth and life. I’ve permitted this for too long and it’s not benefiting either one of us. Walk him through together let’s get out of this darkness and into the light of Jesus.
Prayer
Father I pray for forgiveness of my sins, all of them. Father I pray that I become a better listener of what people are saying and see them, as You see them. That I love them as You love them. May we all live a life of freedom in Christ. Amen.

Devotions for March 25

Joshua 21,22
Psalms 47
1 Corinthians 10

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