Tag: Christianity

You Can Do It!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it!

Neal Pollard

Kansei Matsuzawa is from Tokyo, Japan. He grew up there playing soccer until the thought occurred to him as a teenager that he wanted to try American football after watching his first NFL game. He had never kicked a football until the age of 20. Of course, it took a lot of practice as well as watching YouTube and Instagram videos. Last Saturday, Kansei’s last second kick helped Hawaii defeat Stanford if both teams’ 2025 opener. This is his fourth year of playing college football in America. His goal is to kick in the NFL, and who’s to doubt him? He’s come so far already!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it! Find the tools needed and use them. Research, explore, and attempt! Consider what happened when men and women in Bible times thought this way:

  • Caleb was ready to fight giants (Num. 13:30), then 40 years later he drove them out (Jos. 14:12; 15:14).
  • Jael, an unassuming woman, killed the evil commander of an army with a tent peg and ended Canaan’s oppression of Israel (Jud. 4:17-23).
  • David slew a frightening giant with a sling and a rock (1 Sam. 17:49-50).
  • David’s mighty men, Adino, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, and Benaiah, among others, did incredibly daring and memorable things among God’s enemies (2 Sam. 23:8ff).
  • Elijah out-dueled 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and called down fire from heaven (1 Ki. 18:36-46).
  • Peter walked on water (Mat. 14:28-29), then later preached the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:21-36).
  • Paul won the Gentile world to Christ in one incredible effort after another (Acts 13-28).
  • Hebrews 11 breaks down a highlight reel of incredible, often unlikely, accomplishments men and woman made for God by faith through the ages.

It still happens today. No, not through miraculous means and not of the physical, material kind. Not even in episodes that are earth-shattering and dramatic. It may be a brief conversation, a courageous stand, an act of service, or a show of genuine love. 

God once asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Ex. 4:2). Is He asking you and me that? The answer? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ec. 9:10)! 

The Day Of Small Things

Tomorrow may feel equally unremarkable. The alarm will ring, responsibilities will loom, and the usual tasks will await you. But here’s the secret that can change everything

Brent Pollard

“The Day of Small Things”—Zechariah 4.10

Some days unfold like pages from an unfinished manuscript. You fold laundry, respond to texts, keep appointments, and wonder whether this chapter of your story has any significance in the grand narrative. Nothing spectacular happens. The sun sets on what feels like wasted hours, and you question the impact you made. Yet it is precisely in these seemingly insignificant moments that the voice of God once thundered through His prophet: “Who dares despise the day of small things?”

The Heart of the Promise

The words emerge from a scene filled with disappointment. After seventy years of exile in Babylon, a remnant had returned to Jerusalem with burning hearts and calloused hands, eager to rebuild the temple of the Lord. However, when they laid the foundation stones, reality struck like a winter wind. What they managed to construct appeared pitiful compared to the memory of Solomon’s magnificent temple. Those who remembered its former glory wept openly—not tears of joy, but tears that cut deeper than any enemy’s sword (Ezra 3.12-13).

In a moment of deep discouragement, God communicated through Zechariah with a vision that would transform everything. The prophet saw a golden lampstand, continuously supplied with an endless source of oil—an image representing divine provision that is unwavering, never faltering, and never running dry. Then came the profound message that would resonate through eternity: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4.6 ESV)

Finally, there’s a question that redefines every small beginning: “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10 NASB95). God pointed to the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s weathered hands—not a sword or a scepter, but a humble tool for patient and faithful building. Stone by stone. True and level. The message is clear: Do not underestimate this stage. I rejoice to see My people moving forward in obedience, even when their efforts seem insignificant to human eyes.

The Logic of Divine Delight

This verse does not imply that God has a peculiar preference for smallness, as if He opposes magnificence or fears grandeur. Instead, it reveals a profound truth that challenges our entire value system: He finds immense joy in faithfulness, regardless of its scale. What we may consider ordinary often holds extraordinary significance in His eternal purposes.

Consider the divine pattern that runs like a golden thread throughout Scripture: a mustard seed grows into a mighty tree (Luke 13.19). Jesus feeds thousands with five loaves and two fish (John 6.9 ff). Twelve ordinary men from various walks of life spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. A young woman’s “yes” to God’s will changes the destiny of the world (Luke 1.38). God’s signature move is to bring forth greatness from beginnings so humble that human eyes often overlook them.

For the discouraged exiles, their modest temple could never match the architectural glory of Solomon’s. Yet, here lies the breathtaking irony that brings joy to the angels: this would be the very temple where the Son of God Himself would walk, teaching, healing, and transforming hearts. Their “day of small things” was not the end of the story; it was the necessary beginning of the most significant chapter ever written.

Living in the Small Days

How should we live when the day feels ordinary and our contributions fade like morning mist?

Measure by faithfulness, not by flash. The kingdom of God progresses through steadfast efforts—the kind that occurs when no one is watching. This includes praying when there’s no one around to hear, serving without receiving recognition, reading Scripture in the quiet of dawn, and encouraging someone who may never know your name. We often feel tempted to measure significance by numbers, visibility, or the applause of the world. However, God’s joy is found in consistent obedience that His Spirit sustains.

Refuse the poison of comparison. Those returning from exile looked at their foundation and compared it to Solomon’s temple, which led to deep despair. We often do the same with our hearts when we compare our ordinary faithfulness to the highlight moments of others or even to our own “better” seasons. Comparison is a thief that blinds us to what God is accomplishing right now, in this place, through our own hands. It is better to ask, “What has God placed before me today?” and then serve faithfully in that exact spot.

Begin small, begin now. Holiness and ministry often don’t announce themselves with grand displays or loud celebrations. Instead, they develop quietly through our daily choices: reading one psalm thoughtfully, offering one sincere prayer, or performing one act of kindness without expecting anything in return. These small acts of obedience accumulate like stones in a wall, creating something strong enough to withstand any storm.

Rest in His perfect timing. Every day, no matter how small, is significant in God’s eyes. Each moment belongs to Him. The psalmist confidently states, “My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31.15). If this is true—and it is—then we waste no day, and God acknowledges every effort. You are not falling behind if you walk by His Spirit, and you are not stuck if He has promised to complete the work He started in you.

The Weight of Ordinary Moments

Perhaps this day feels painfully insignificant. You are caring for children whose appreciation comes in the form of sticky hugs and sleepy whispers. You diligently handle tasks that often go unnoticed, and people frequently overlook your hard work and achievements. You are enduring struggles that remain unseen by the outside world.

In that exact moment, Zechariah’s ancient question still resonates: “Who has despised the day of small things?”

The answer shines brightly in the heavens: God does not disregard it. He never has. He finds joy in seeing you take up your tools and lay down another stone in faithful obedience. Your seemingly small actions today hold more significance than you can imagine.

Tomorrow may feel equally unremarkable. The alarm will ring, responsibilities will loom, and the usual tasks will await you. But here’s the secret that can change everything: In the nail-scarred hands of the One who takes joy in humble beginnings, even your smallest day is intricately woven into His magnificent, eternal purpose.

Take heart. Do not despise the day of small things. In the economy of heaven, they are often the most significant things of all.

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 6.1-2)

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

When we talk about the end, we mean the time when everything is finally made perfect. Because this is such an important and difficult subject, anyone who wants to study it should come with a clear and careful mind. If someone doesn’t have experience thinking about subjects like this, they might consider it to be a waste of time. Or if someone already has strong opinions or presuppositions, they might even say that these ideas are evil or heretical—not because they really understand them, but because they’re already prejudiced by dogma. That’s why we must talk about these things with caution. We are not giving definitive answers, we’re just investigating these things for the purpose of discussion. Earlier, when we looked at the nature of God, I tried to present only clear and unquestioned truths. But we will do our best to handle this more like a discussion than a set of dogmatic definitions.

The end of the world, then, will come when God judges everyone for their sins. Only God knows the time when this will happen, and only He knows how He will give each person what they deserve. But we also believe that God’s kindness, through Jesus Christ, will guide all of His creation to one final goal—even His enemies, who will one day be defeated and brought under His power. 

The scripture says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” If that sounds hard to understand, Paul explains it more clearly, “Christ must rule until he has put all enemies under his feet.” And if we still wonder what that means, Paul adds, “For all things must be put under him.”

But what does it mean for everything to be “put under” Christ? I believe it means that all things will one day submit to Him in the same way we try to submit now. The apostles submitted this way. All of the faithful dead have, too. For us, being put into subjection under Christ is not an act of tyranny, but it is about being saved. To belong to Christ means to share in the rescue He’s made possible. David understood this when he said, “I must calm down and turn to God; only He can rescue me.”

Since this will be the end—when all enemies will be placed under Christ, when death (the last enemy) will be destroyed, and when Christ will hand the kingdom over to God the Father—let’s think about the beginning of all things. The end is always like the beginning. Just as there is one end for all things, there was also one beginning of all things. From that single beginning came many different paths with lots of variety. But through God’s goodness and through submitting to Christ, everything will be brought back to one final end, which looks like the beginning. This is what it means when every being in the sky, on earth, and under the earth bows at the name of Jesus, showing their submission to Him. These three groups represent the entire universe, which was arranged from the one beginning, each according to how they lived. 

Goodness does not belong to created beings by their very nature; only God is good by His very nature. Others share in “goodness” only when God gives it, and they remain that way only as long as they pursue holiness, wisdom, and fellowship with God. But if they reject these things, each one causes their own fall—some quickly, others slowly, some falling far, others not as far. This demonstrates God’s fair judgment: each one has consequences in proportion to their choices and how far they’ve fallen.

Some who were closer in time to the beginning (which mirrors the future end) were placed in high ranks when the world was arranged: some became angels, some influences, some principalities, some powers to rule over those who need guidance. Others became thrones, with the work of judging or ruling, and others were given control over those who were like slaves. All of this was given through God’s wise judgment, fairly and without favoritism, according to each one’s merit and their progress in imitating God. But those who were removed from their primal state of happiness were not removed with no hope of recovery. They were placed under the rule of the different powers we just mentioned, so that by learning from them and through discipline, they might be reshaped and restored to blessedness again.

All of this makes me think that God arranged the human race for a purpose: that in the future world—when God makes a new sky and a new earth, as Isaiah promised—it will be brought back into perfect unity. This is the unity Jesus prayed for when He said to the Father, “I’m not praying for just these followers, but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that all who believe in me can be one. You are in me and I am in you. I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me.” 

Paul confirms this when he says, “This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God.” And Paul urges us even now, while we are alive and in the church (which is like a preview of the kingdom that will come), to live out this unity when he says, “I beg all of you to agree with each other. You should not be divided into different groups. Be completely joined together again with the same kind of thinking and the same purpose.” 

“You’ve Got Mail”

I began preaching full-time in 1992 in a small west Alabama town near the Mississippi border. It was one year before Tim Berners-Lee released the code that became the world wide web, allowing images, video, and audio to be transmitted from servers to computers using existing phone lines. This was more commonly called “dial up.”

Neal Pollard

I began preaching full-time in 1992 in a small west Alabama town near the Mississippi border. It was one year before Tim Berners-Lee released the code that became the world wide web, allowing images, video, and audio to be transmitted from servers to computers using existing phone lines. This was more commonly called “dial up.” For the first three years of my preaching, I typed up Bible classes and sermons (if I didn’t hand write them) on a Brother word processor (it was a typewriter/keyboard attached to a computer monitor). 

Let’s just say that the past 30 years have brought a lot of change in the world of technology. During the ’90s and ’00s, email was king and texting was a complicated, time-consuming, and less desirable alternative. In those days, AOL was the emperor of email. Using a modem (Google it), your computer would connect through the phone and AOL would greet you with, “You’ve got mail” (if you had email). A 1990s movie by that title will give more context to what it was like.

Did you know that dial up internet access is still available? About 160,000 households in America still use it. But on September 30, it will cease. A critical chapter of internet history will be relegated to the museum of technology’s past, like the rotary phone (Google that, too).

I appreciate a few ways this illustrates the work of the church today. First, some changes are desirable and necessary. We can embrace new ways of doing things God preserved in Scripture (Matt. 9:17). As our elders are fond of saying, “We will think outside the box, but inside the Book.” Most of us embraced fiber-optics and satellite, then found dial-up tedious and time-consuming. Old truths can wear new clothes, so long as the truths are not altered (cf. Rev. 22:18-19). See Power Point, newly-written, Scriptural songs and hymns, live-streaming, etc.

Second, while what man creates, invents, and innovates is ever-changing, God’s Word is all-sufficient, timeless, and essential (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Matt. 24:35). No discovery will make it obsolete or irrelevant. It shall stand forever, a rock that cannot be broken or weathered by time or trends (John 10:35). See women’s role (1 Tim. 2:11-15), baptism’s role in salvation (Matt. 28:18-20), the nature of marriage (Eph. 5:31), marriage, divorce, and remarriage (Matt. 19:4-9), etc. 

Third, we should tenaciously defend and fight for truth (Jude 3), but we should take a different tack with tradition. We certainly should not elevate it to be on a par with truth. We must not put it above the truth (Mark 7:6-9). We should not strain relationships and fellowship over matters not “tied down” in Scripture (Romans 14). See Bible translations, modest, but less formal, worship attire, order of worship, etc. 

160,000 households are clinging to dial up until the last possible minute, but then it will be gone. Let’s avoid that spirit when it comes to God’s Word and His work. Where change does not violate God’s will, let us hold it as a matter of indifference. Where the change does violence to it, may we be found nowhere near it! 

Origen’s Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 5.5)

Gary Pollard

The prophet Isaiah tells us about another enemy of God. He says: “How you have fallen from heaven, O light-bearer, morning star! You once rose like the dawn, but now you are crushed to the ground—you who attacked all nations. You said in your heart, ‘I will climb to heaven. I will set my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the highest mountain in the far north. I will rise above the clouds. I will be like the Most High.’ But now you will be brought down to the world below, to the very depths of the earth. 

Those who see you will stare in shock and say, ‘Is this the one who shook the earth, who made kings tremble, who turned the world into a wasteland, who destroyed cities, and never freed his prisoners? All the kings of the nations rest in honor in their own graves, but you will be thrown away among the dead on the mountains—cursed and pierced by the sword—down to the world below.

Like a blood-stained robe that cannot be made clean, you will never be clean again. You destroyed my land and killed my people. You will never last, evil seed. Prepare your sons for death because of their father’s sins, so they will not rise to take the earth or fill it with war. I will rise against them, says the Lord of hosts. I will erase their name, their survivors, and their children.’”

From these words it is clear that the morning star—once a bringer of light—fell from heaven. If, as some think, he was always a creature of darkness, how could Scripture call him “light-bearer” or “morning star”? Even Jesus said about the devil, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning,” showing that at one time he was light. Jesus also compared His own return to lightning: “As the lightning flashes from one end of the sky to the other, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” By comparing Satan’s fall to lightning, Jesus showed that Satan once lived in heaven, had a place among God’s holy ones, and shared in the same light that all God’s saints enjoy. This light is what makes angels “angels of light,” and is why Jesus called His apostles “the light of the world.”

So this being once existed in light before turning away from God. When he fell, his glory turned to dust—a mark of the wicked. That is why he is called the “prince of this world,” meaning he rules here on earth over those who follow his evil ways. As Scripture says, “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” God also calls him “the runaway dragon” in the book of Job, meaning he is an enemy who has fled from the truth. The dragon is the devil himself.

If these enemies of God were once pure, then it’s clear that only the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are pure by their very nature. Every created being is pure only because God gives them that purity—and they can lose it. Since these evil powers were once pure but fell, we see that no one is born evil, and no one is pure by nature alone. This means it is in our own hands—through our choices and actions—to live in happiness and holiness, or to fall into sin and ruin. If we grow deeply in evil through neglect and laziness, we can sink so low that we become an “opposing power” against God, just as the morning star once did.

Let Your Life Ring True

Neal Pollard

In the Christian Science Monitor, Nancy M. Kendall, drawing on other etymology (i.e., word origin) resources such as Hendrickson, Morris, and Barnhart, writes, “Due to poor equipment and the scarcity of precious metals, metal workers of the Middle Ages were not able to produce coins that were uniform in appearance and weight. This situation gave criminals an opportunity they couldn’t resist. Thus, when in doubt over a coin’s validity, a tradesman would drop it on a stone slab to “sound it.” If phony, it’d make a shrill or dull, flat tone in contrast to the clear ring of a true coin. By extension, a story tested and found acceptable is said to ring true, and its opposite, to ring false or hollow.” 

How interesting!  From that origination, the phrase has been applied to people’s statements, characters, and beliefs.  We ask, “Does he/she/this ring true?”  By saying this, we are looking for authenticity, for genuineness.  What an awesome opportunity we have to put our Christian lives on display!  Others look at it and us and by doing so can determine, to a degree, if Christianity rings true.  Certainly, they can compare our lives to what a Christian life should be and see if our individual lives ring true to authentic Christian behavior.  

Live before your coworkers, school mates, neighbors, fellow-Christians, and people you encounter daily in such a way that you show the validity of living for Jesus.  In this way, you are allowing the truth of Jesus to be put to test as it is observed in at least one sample.  There are poor imitations and substitutions out there.  You have the opportunity to show them the genuine article!  Let your life ring true!

Who Are Gog and Magog? The Ancient Names That Echo Through Eternity

Here, we must pause and speak clearly. The temptation to identify modern nations in ancient symbols is strong. Russia, China, and Iran—it’s as if the Bible becomes a cosmic puzzle that today’s newspaper must solve.

Brent Pollard

“You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.” —Ezekiel 38.16 (ESV)

Specific names stand out from the vast library of Scripture like distant thunder—mysterious, powerful, stirring something deep within the soul. Gog and Magog are such names. For generations, these ancient words have captured people’s imaginations, sparked debates, and fueled the very speculation that obscures their true glory.

Imagine the exile sitting by Babylon’s rivers, scroll unfurled, reading Ezekiel’s vision for the first time. What did the names mean to him? What do they mean for us? And here is where we must tread carefully, because the path of truth leads to wonder, whereas the path of speculation leads only to shadows.

When Heaven Writes History in Advance

Enter Ezekiel’s world for a moment. The prophet describes Gog, “of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.” Sounds like they have weight, don’t they? But here something magnificent happens. This is not a typical historical account. This is heaven, writing poetry using the names of nations.

Consider this astonishing fact: no man named Gog has ever walked the earth. Yet, he is attributed as the leader of a coalition comprising Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, Togarmah, Persia, Cush, and Put—groups that have never historically formed such an alliance. These descendants, mentioned in Genesis 10, are scattered across the globe and are now gathered by divine artistry rather than human ambition.

Do you see it? Ezekiel paints with a cosmic brush, creating a vision that transcends time and geography. This is not tomorrow’s newspaper, written in ancient ink; it is eternity speaking in symbols that every generation can comprehend.

The War That Reveals God’s Heart

But what about the battle itself? Here is a mystery wrapped in majesty. Gog arrives with armies as massive as the stars, ready to descend like storm clouds on God’s people. The earth shakes with anticipation. Swords gleam. Banners break in the wind.

And then, before a single blow is thrown, the Author of All Stories takes the stage.

Earthquake. Pestilence. Heaven rains hailstones, fire, and brimstone (Ezekiel 38.22). The language itself echoes back in time to Sodom’s destruction and forward to judgment’s final hour. This isn’t about military genius or political strategy. This is about a God who fights for His children.

Classical commentators have long recognized that the vision magnifies God’s power in delivering His people and destroying their enemies. Gog represents not just one man’s ambition, but every force that has ever raised its fist against the Almighty’s chosen.

Do you feel your heart racing? Hopefully, it does. This is your story as well.

The Comfort Hidden in Symbols

Why this vision? Why now? Consider the first readers—God’s chosen people, dispersed like seeds in Babylon’s soil. Jerusalem lay in ruins. The temple stood as a collection of broken stones. Has their God forgotten them? Was He defeated by pagan gods and foreign armies?

The answer thunders from heaven: never.

The Lord provides centuries-long comfort through Ezekiel’s pen: “Every force that rises against you—every Gog that emerges from every Magog—will crumble before My power. Not because you are powerful, but because the I AM is your defender.”

Biblical interpreters understood this when they pointed out that Gog represents Christ’s enemies throughout history, serving as a timeless symbol of opposition to God’s people. For centuries, God’s people saw in these words not fear, but fierce hope. Only when speculative systems emerged in recent centuries did this comfort become clouded by confusion.

When the Final Curtain Falls

Turn the pages to Revelation 20, and the names appear again, like an echo across the corridors of time. “Gog and Magog.” But look at how John uses them! Satan, freed for his final act, gathers “the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth” for one last desperate charge against “the camp of the saints.”

Once again, no battle occurs. Fire descended from heaven. The end arrives not with a clash of armies, but with the whisper of divine judgment.

Gog and Magog represent not two nations, but all of God’s enemies. These names act as symbolic bookends to the eternal conflict between good and evil, representing all rebellion against divine authority.

Do you see the comfort here? Every enemy that has ever threatened God’s people, every force that has ever made you tremble in the night, has been gathered under these two ancient names, and they all face the same fate: swift, inevitable defeat by heaven’s own fire.

The Danger of Reading Tomorrow’s Headlines

Here, we must pause and speak clearly. The temptation to identify modern nations in ancient symbols is strong. Russia, China, and Iran—it’s as if the Bible becomes a cosmic puzzle that today’s newspaper must solve.

But this path leads away from comfort, not towards it. It breeds fear where God intended peace and speculation where He promised certainty. Gog and Magog represent something far greater than any single nation or alliance—the eternal principle that the world will always fight against God’s people, but God will always triumph.

Your comfort comes not from avoiding geopolitical turmoil, but from knowing that behind every earthly conflict is a heavenly King who has never lost a battle and never will.

The Names That Mean “Never Alone”

So, what do Gog and Magog mean to you right now, as you grapple with ancient and modern fears? They tell that you are not alone.

When the headlines make you tremble, remember that every enemy is already named in God’s book, and their defeat is predetermined. When things seem hopeless, remember that the same God who scatters all rebellion with heaven’s fire is the God who walks with you today.

This isn’t about charts or theories. This is about a Father fighting for his children. This is about a King whose victory is so sure that Scripture declares all opposition defeated.

The most incredible truth of all? The story concludes not with your defeat, but with your King’s eternal glory shining over a universe at peace.

“So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” —Ezekiel 38.23 (ESV)

And in that day , every knee will bow—not in terror, but in awe of the One who has always been, is now, and will always be your magnificent Defender.

The Judas Kiss

t’s a gesture that’s supposed to mean friendship but instead marks Jesus for arrest. It’s an account packed with practical lessons about loyalty, choices, and God’s bigger plan, and it’s worth unpacking for anyone trying to make sense of life’s problems. 

Carl Pollard

The kiss of Judas, described in Matthew 26:47-50, Mark 14:43-45, and Luke 22:47-48, is one of those Bible moments that many are familiar with. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ inner circle, betrays him with a kiss. It’s a gesture that’s supposed to mean friendship but instead marks Jesus for arrest. It’s an account packed with practical lessons about loyalty, choices, and God’s bigger plan, and it’s worth unpacking for anyone trying to make sense of life’s problems. 

In the time of Jesus, a kiss was like giving a handshake or a hug, something you’d share with someone you cared about. So when Judas uses it to sell Jesus out to the authorities, it makes his betrayal that more messed up. The Bible uses a Greek word, phileo, meaning an affectionate kiss, which makes it sting even more. Judas was close to Jesus, one of the twelve, and he twists that bond into betrayal. It’s like a friend smiling to your face while stabbing you in the back. We’ve all felt versions of that. Someone you trusted letting you down when you needed them most. 

But regardless of what Judas did, and how he did it, this moment fits into God’s plan. Jesus knew it was coming (John 13:26-27), yet Judas still had a choice. In Luke 22:48, Jesus calls him out mid-betrayal: “Judas, you’re betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” This is more than a question, it’s Jesus highlighting the irony and heartbreak. Judas chose greed (30 pieces of silver) over loyalty, but God used that choice to set up the crucifixion and resurrection, the cornerstone of Christianity. It’s a reminder that even our worst moments can be part of something bigger.

The kiss also echoes the Old Testament, like Proverbs 27:6: “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Judas’ act is a textbook example, but Jesus doesn’t lash out. He calls Judas “friend” (Matthew 26:50), showing love even in betrayal. What a powerful example. 

For us, the kiss of Judas is a mirror. It asks: Are we honest with the people in our lives? Do our actions match our words? It’s easy to point fingers at Judas, but we’ve all got moments where we’ve let someone down or acted hypocritical. Yet the story also offers hope, God can take our flawed human decisions and weave them into something to His glory. Judas’ kiss led to the cross, where love conquered death. That’s a truth worth holding onto.

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 5.3-4)

Did God, the Creator and Maker of all things, create some of these beings holy and happy, so that they could never become anything else—not even have the possibility of being evil? And did He make others capable of either virtue or sin, depending on their choices?

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

Now that we’ve listed so many important names of heavenly ranks and offices—and we know these titles refer to real, personal beings—we can ask this question: Did God, the Creator and Maker of all things, create some of these beings holy and happy, so that they could never become anything else—not even have the possibility of being evil? And did He make others capable of either virtue or sin, depending on their choices? Or did He maybe create some in such a way that they could never become good, and others who could never become evil? 

And still others who were able to become either good or evil? Let us begin by looking at the names themselves. Were the holy angels, from the moment they were created, always holy—and have they remained holy ever since, and will they always remain holy—without ever sinning or even having the power to sin?

Next, let us ask whether those called “holy principalities” began exercising authority from the moment of their creation. Were the ones they rule over made for the very purpose of being subject to them? In the same way, were those called powers made with the specific nature and purpose of ruling? Or did they come into that position as a reward for their virtue?

And what about the thrones or seats—did they receive their place of happiness and stability right when they were created, simply by God’s will? Or were the dominions given their rule, not because of anything they had done, but as a natural privilege that came with how they were created—something inseparable from their being? Now, if we believe that the holy angels, powers, thrones, virtues, and dominions were given their roles and glory by nature—that they were created that way from the start—then we must also believe the same thing about the opposing beings.

In that case, we would have to say that the evil principalities we struggle against were not originally good and then turned evil, but were evil from the beginning—that resisting what is good is part of their nature. And the same would go for the evil powers and wicked spirits—that they did not fall from goodness later on, but were created wicked from the start. Even the beings the apostle calls “rulers and princes of the darkness of this world” would have their rule over darkness not by choice, but by necessity of how they were made.

And if we follow this logic, then wicked spirits, malicious powers, and unclean demons would all have been created evil from the beginning. But if this seems absurd—and surely it is absurd—to say their evil doesn’t come from their own will, but was built into them by the Creator, then we must also say something similar about the good and holy beings.

That is, their goodness must not be something that belongs to their essential nature. For we have already shown that only the Father, the Son (Christ), and Holy Spirit possess goodness by their very nature—because there is nothing divided or changeable with God. Their goodness is not something added on, it is part of who they are.

So for every created being, their position (whether ruling or being ruled) doesn’t come from a special quality built into them at creation, but from their own actions and choices. Those who now rule, or exercise power or dominion, were put in those roles not because they were created with a right to them, but because of their merit—because they proved worthy of them.

We don’t want to base our beliefs on guesses or reasoning alone—especially when the subject is this serious and difficult. Nor do we want to ask people to agree with us based only on ideas that are uncertain. So let’s turn to holy Scripture and see if there are any clear teachings that can support what we’ve said, so that our views can be backed by something with real authority. First we’ll look at what Scripture says about wicked powers. Then we’ll continue our study of the others, as the Lord helps us understand, so that in things this difficult, we can get as close to the truth as possible—or at least form opinions that are faithful to the spirit of true religion.

In the book of the prophet Ezekiel, we find two prophecies addressed to the prince of Tyre. The first one might seem to be about a regular man, a human ruler over the city of Tyre. So for now, we won’t focus on that first prophecy. But the second prophecy clearly describes someone far greater than a man. It speaks of a higher being who fell from a great position to a lower and worse one. This passage gives us a strong example to show that evil powers were not created evil, but fell from a better condition and became wicked. It also shows that even the good powers were not made in such a way that they were totally unable to fall—if they became careless and didn’t guard their fortunate position, they could fall too.

The prophecy says that this being—called the prince of Tyre—had once been good, without any sin, placed in the paradise of God, beautiful and shining. Could such a being have been less than the other good ones? He is described as being beautiful, pure, and walking in the paradise of God—how could he be anything other than one of the holy and blessed powers, those created in a happy and exalted state?

Now let’s look at the actual words of the prophecy (Ez 28.11-19):

The word of the lord came to me. He said, “Human, sing this sad song about the king of Tyre. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord God says: You were the perfect man — so full of wisdom and perfectly handsome. You were in Eden, the garden of God. You had every precious stone — rubies, topaz, and diamonds, beryls, onyx, and jasper, sapphires, turquoise, and emeralds. And each of these stones was set in gold. You were given this beauty on the day you were created. 

God made you strong. You were one of the chosen Cherubs who spread your wings over my throne. I put you on the holy mountain of God. You walked among the jewels that sparkled like fire. You were good and honest when I created you, but then you became evil. Your business brought you many riches. But they also put cruelty inside you, and you sinned. So I treated you like something unclean and threw you off of the mountain of God. 

You were one of the chosen Cherubs who spread your wings over my throne. But I forced you to leave the jewels that sparkled like fire. Your beauty made you proud. Your glory ruined your wisdom. So I threw you down to the ground, and now other kings stare at you. You did many wrong things. You were a very crooked merchant. In this way you made the holy places unclean. 

So I brought fire from inside you. It burned you! You burned to ashes on the ground, and now everyone can see your shame. All of the people in other nations were shocked about what happened to you. What happened to you will make people very afraid. You are finished!’” 

When we hear words like “You were the perfect man, full of wisdom and perfectly handsome”, and “From the day you were created with the cherubim, I placed you on the holy mountain of God”—who could possibly weaken or shrink the meaning of this so much as to think it describes just a man? Not even an ordinary saint—certainly not the historical prince of Tyre.

What fiery stones could any man have walked among? Who but a heavenly being could be called blameless from the day of creation, only later to have wickedness discovered in him, and then be cast down to the earth?

To be “cast down to the earth” means this being was not originally on earth, but was thrown there after falling. His “holy places” are said to have been polluted, which again shows that he had once been holy and blessed. So we can now say clearly: what Ezekiel wrote about the prince of Tyre is actually referring to an opposing spiritual power, and it clearly proves that this being was once holy and happy, but fell when wickedness was found in him. He was not created evil—he became evil.

We believe this refers to an angel who had been given authority to rule over the people of Tyre and to watch over their souls. Now, what exactly this “Tyre” means—the earthly Tyre in Phoenicia, or some other spiritual Tyre that this one represents—and which “souls of the Tyrians” are being spoken of, whether earthly or spiritual—is something we don’t need to explore in detail here. These are deep and mysterious matters and should not be handled in a quick or careless way. They deserve careful study and effort on their own.

Jesus: The Only Door

In our culture, we’re bombarded with the promise of the “good life”—the American Dream. It’s sold as owning a nice house, driving shiny new cars, taking lavish vacations, and retiring to a life of leisure. But even those who achieve this dream often miss the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10.

Carl Pollard

In our culture, we’re bombarded with the promise of the “good life”—the American Dream. It’s sold as owning a nice house, driving shiny new cars, taking lavish vacations, and retiring to a life of leisure. But even those who achieve this dream often miss the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10. No matter how many commas are in your bank account, how new your car is, or how many rooms your house has, without Jesus, you don’t have life.

In John 10:7-9, Jesus declares, “I am the gate for the sheep.” This is the third of His seven “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John, echoing the divine name from Exodus 3:14. He’s not just a door—He’s *the* door, the only entry to a life of true satisfaction, security, and purpose. Forget the prosperity gospel that slaps Christian labels on the American Dream. Jesus’ abundant life isn’t about piling up stuff; it’s about being right with God through faith in Christ and having the hope of eternity in His presence. The Apostle Paul had next to nothing but was content with food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:8) because he was rich toward God. In Philippians 3:8, he says, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” So, I’m asking you to examine your life: which door have you walked through? Jesus is the only door to abundant life, always open, but you’ve got to choose to step through.

Picture yourself lost in a freezing forest, stumbling onto a house with a roaring fire, hot soup, and a warm bed. But there’s no door—no way in. You’re stuck outside, desperate for what’s inside. That’s life without Jesus. He says, “I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7), the sole entry to a relationship with God. In John 10, false shepherds—religious leaders, philosophies, or systems—promise access through works, sincerity, or rituals. Jesus calls them “thieves and robbers” (v. 8) who “steal and kill and destroy” (v. 10). The American Dream offers a wide gate—wealth, success, pleasure—but Jesus warns in Matthew 7:13-14 that the broad road leads to destruction. Other paths, like Islam, Buddhism, or even well-meaning people suggest salvation outside Christ, and miss the truth: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). Jesus’ sinless life, authoritative teaching, miracles, and resurrection prove He’s the only way. He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Are you chasing a false door or trusting Jesus alone?

Jesus doesn’t just claim to be the door; He promises life-changing blessings. John 10:9 says, “If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus rescues us from God’s wrath, Satan’s schemes, and life’s futility. Our sin makes us God’s enemies (Romans 5:10), but Jesus took our punishment on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Like a wolf licking a blood-coated blade, not realizing it’s killing itself, the American Dream lures us to spiritual death. Jesus saves us from false teachings and gives purpose, making this life the start of eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Jesus offers security. “Go in and out” (v. 9) pictures a sheep’s freedom under the shepherd’s care, safe from wolves. Charles Spurgeon said believers can rest easy, protected by Christ’s power (Galatians 5:1). Unlike the shaky security of wealth, Jesus guards our souls, giving us direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18). Where do you feel trapped—guilt, fear, materialism? Jesus offers true freedom.

Jesus provides strength through “pasture” (v. 9)—spiritual nourishment like peace, purpose, and forgiveness. The American Dream leaves us chasing an elusive “something.” Jesus satisfies our deepest needs (Psalm 23:1). Are you spiritually starving, looking for fulfillment in success? Come to Jesus for lasting satisfaction.

Jesus’ blessings demand action: you must enter (v. 9). Just admiring the door—going to church or nodding at Jesus—won’t cut it. You’ve got to trust Him as Savior and obey His commands. This invitation is for “anyone” (v. 9). The world’s pleasures are a trap, promising life but delivering destruction. Jesus offers abundant life now and forever.

In Let’s Make a Deal, contestants pick between a visible prize and what’s behind a door. The visible prize—wealth, fame, pleasure, looks good but it means missing something better. Jesus, the true Door, offers salvation, security, and strength. Don’t stand outside wondering what could’ve been. Trust Him today, step through by faith, and receive this abundant life. The door’s open—will you walk through?

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 5.1.2)

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

After the discussion we have briefly presented—concerning the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—it is appropriate to now offer some thoughts on conscious beings: their types and ranks, their roles, and the functions of both good and evil powers, as well as those who exist in between these two extremes (i.e., those who still engaged in struggle and undergoing testing). In Scripture, we find many names and descriptions of different ranks and roles, not only among the holy beings but also among those that are opposed to them. We will begin by listing these names and functions and then, as best we can, attempt to understand their meaning.

There are certain holy angels of God that Paul calls “ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit rescue.” In Paul’s own writings, he also refers to these beings—drawing from a source unknown to us—as thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. After listing these, he goes on to say about the One who will save us: “Who is above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named—not only in this world, but also in the one to come. This suggests that beyond the beings he names, there are other sentient entities—some whose names can be spoken in this world, though Paul does not list them, perhaps because no one else knew them either—and others whose names cannot be spoken now but will be revealed in the world to come.

Next, we need to understand that every self-aware being who goes beyond its proper limits and rules is guilty of sin—because in doing so, it turns away from what is right and just. Every rational creature, then, is capable of receiving either praise or blame: praise, if it uses its reason to grow toward what is better; and blame, if it turns away from the path of righteousness. In such cases, punishment is justly deserved. This principle also applies to the accuser and his followers, who are called his angels. But before we go further, we need to explain the names and titles given to these beings, so we clearly understand who we are speaking about. The names “Devil (Accuser),” “Satan (Enemy),” and “Wicked One”—who is also called the “Enemy of God”—appear frequently in Scripture. In addition, Scripture refers to certain angels of the accuser, and to a “prince of this world.” Whether this prince is the accuser himself or another being is not clearly revealed.

We also read about “princes of this world” who possess a kind of wisdom that will eventually come to nothing. Whether these are the same as the “principalities” that Paul says we must fight against—or whether they are different beings altogether—is a question that is not easy to answer with certainty. Alongside the principalities, Paul also mentions certain “powers” with whom we struggle, and this conflict even includes rulers of this world’s darkness. He also speaks of spiritual forces of wickedness in the sky. And what should we make of the wicked and unclean spirits mentioned in the Gospels? On the other hand, Paul also refers to beings who are said to bow—or will bow—in submission at the name of Jesus. This includes beings in the sky, on earth, and under the earth, as he lists them.

Since we are discussing self-aware beings, we must not leave out ourselves—human beings—who are called rational animals. Even among humans, different groupings are mentioned in Scripture. For example, it says: “The Lord’s portion is His people Jacob; Israel is the cord of His inheritance.” Meanwhile, other nations are described as belonging to the angels. As it’s written: “When the Most High divided the nations and scattered the sons of Adam, He established their boundaries according to the number of the angels of God.” So, as we consider other rational beings, we must also carefully examine the nature and purpose of the human soul.

Material Blessings

It pays to be a Christian. It will pay eternally (Mat. 6:21; 25:46a), but it will also cause one to reap the dividends thereof in this life. There will be tears to sow, and though joy comes in the morning of eternity (Psa. 126:5) there will be blessings accompanying the righteous life which the unrighteous will not experience.

Neal Pollard

In a time of restoration, Mattaniah and Bakbukiah led Judah in prayers of thanksgiving upon the completion of the wall around Jerusalem (Neh. 11:7). They recognized how much they owed God for His deliverance, guidance, and protection.  They were a blessed remnant, sustained by His providence.  They verbalized their thankfulness.  Could they have done less than that?

Past to present the United States has been blessed with a material abundance that matches or exceeds any known in recorded history. Through war after war, the nation has been spared from its enemies.  We have survived massive depressions, imposing threats to our freedom, periods of intense fear and sweeping doubt, and domestic disasters.  In such an environment and through such providential protection from our Holy Creator, the New Testament church has taken root and spread throughout the nation for over two centuries.  If not now, when has the Lord’s church had better opportunity to express our thanksgiving by righteous living and fervent evangelism? When has there ever been a time more pressing than now to declare the distinct message from heaven to modern man?

However, human nature has proven itself repeatedly to be disinclined toward service, sacrifice, and spirituality when material prosperity abounds.  Perhaps a blessing in the recent economic downturn may be man’s more acute awareness of our need for God.  Time will tell.

What cannot be missed is how faithfully God blesses humanity in a material way.  Truly, God sheds some material blessings upon everyone.  He gives to all life and breath and all things (Acts 17:25).  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above…” (Jas. 1:17).  Jesus taught in the sermon on the mount that the Father “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Mat. 5:45).  Repeatedly, scripture reminds the reader that there is no breath, no health, no potential for prosperity apart from the abundant, physical gifts from heaven.  Simply being a human being qualifies one for some basic, material blessings.

God blesses His children in a special way.  That is not a guarantee of wealth and prosperity, even if so many Christians in America may possess that.  I have been to several nations where Christians live in subsistence, having food enough to fill a hungry belly once or twice a day, enjoying some kind of shelter, and owning maybe a change of clothes or two.  Most of these brethren would consider themselves very blessed and have a positive, contented outlook on life.  They view themselves as materially blessed.  These brethren’s examples remind us that the truest treasures do not have a price tag on them, yet children of God have so frequently been the happy recipients of relative prosperity.

Despite the fact that God has richly blessed His children, ingratitude for material blessings has often been a spiritual plague.  At Marah, a couple of day’s journey past the Red Sea whose waters had just been parted, the Israelites complained for lack of water.  Marah literally meant bitter water, and for this reason Israel would not drink there.  The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood which, after he threw it in the water, sweetened it.  Then, Moses writes, “There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them,  saying, ‘If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer’” (Exo. 15:25b-26, ESV).  Incidentally, a few miles later they came to a placed called Elim, “where there were twelve wells of water” (Exo. 15:27).  They had seen physical deliverance a mere 72 hours before, but they lost faith in God’s ability to provide so quickly.  Later on in the sermon on the mount, Jesus warned His disciples not to imitate such a display of doubt and distrust.  He shows the foolishness and futility of worrying over material things, urging His disciples to instead seek the kingdom first in the full confidence of divine provision (Mat. 6:25-34).  Therefore, as children of God should more fully and quickly trust God to provide for needs and necessities (cf. 1 Co. 10:10; Phi. 2:14), we should also be quick to recognize and be thankful for the material blessings we regularly receive.

Consider a few material blessings unique to those living the Christian life.

Long Life

Righteous people deliver stillborn children.  Godly teenagers die in tragic accidents.  Some wonderful Christian folks have had their lives dramatically shortened by terminal illness or untimely death.  So, this blessing needs qualification.  Solomon writes, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (Pro. 3:2).  This rule of thumb certainly has exceptions, like those already noted.  Yet, the healthy lifestyle, management of stress and worry, and attitude that seeks to live and serve so long as God wills leads the righteous to a condition of life that lends itself to longevity.  This is reiterated in Proverbs 3:16 (the companionship of long life and wisdom), Proverbs 9:11 (days multiplied through fear and knowledge), Proverbs 10:27 (the fear of the Lord prolongs days) and Proverbs 28:16 (those who hate unjust gain prolong their days).  

True peace  

There are a great many people in the world today who are disturbed and distressed, and many have not learned that this is very often a lack of true peace available only in Christ (John 14:27; cf. Phi. 4:7).  Again, Solomon repeats the presence of peace in the lives of the righteous (3:17; 16:7).  There is a false, self-deluding peace with which the ungodly numb themselves (cf. Jer. 8:11), but this is tantamount to building on the proverbial sand (cf. Mat. 7:26-27).   Some nervous conditions with physical side-effects are no more than the outgrowth of a mind disturbed by ungodly, self-guided living.  Christians may choose to give in to the sin of worry and sacrifice the peace of Christ, but they are surrendering a blessing that most rightly belongs to them.  Peace is a spiritual blessing, but there are physical aspects to it.

Answered prayer 

  Though the blind man may have been speaking his own theology and not the Lord’s (John 9:31), Peter makes clear the principle that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.  But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Pe. 3:12). Since the righteous have their desires properly trained (cf. Jas. 4:1-3), the desires they express to God are granted (Pro. 10:24).  He hears the righteous’ prayers (Pro. 15:29).  Literally, He listens with a yearning to grant our requests as it befits His own will.  We pray for many spiritual things, but we also pray concerning physical matters.  Prayers for health, job, the ability to provide for family, safe travel, births, marriages, and the like are bound up in the material as well as the spiritual.  

Deliverance

Deliverance is a broad topic.  David was delivered from the paw of the lion and the bear, and so this was deliverance from natural terrors.  He was delivered from Goliath, Saul, and Absalom, deliverance from human threats and opposition.  He was delivered from blood guiltiness and personal, egregious sin, and so deliverance from spiritual death.  His son, Solomon, must have seen the after-effects of such deliverance in his father’s life.  By righteous living, much trouble can be averted (Pro. 11:8).  The early Christians suffered loss of life in the throes of persecution, but so often God has chosen to deliver His children’s lives.  This is a material blessing each of us should take time to note.

It pays to be a Christian.  It will pay eternally (Mat. 6:21; 25:46a), but it will also cause one to reap the dividends thereof in this life.  There will be tears to sow, and though joy comes in the morning of eternity (Psa. 126:5) there will be blessings accompanying the righteous life which the unrighteous will not experience.  Thank God for the hope and promise tied to the righteous life, a life of material as well as endless spiritual blessings.

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 4.1.2)

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

To illustrate the nature of falling away—or spiritual defection—among those who live carelessly, it seems appropriate to use an analogy. Imagine someone who has steadily grown in their knowledge of a discipline, such as geometry or medicine, until they have achieved mastery through long and diligent practice. We don’t think it possible that they could go to bed fully skilled and then wake up completely ignorant of their craft. Of course, we’re not referring here to cases of injury or illness, which fall outside the scope of this illustration. As long as this expert continues to study and practice their discipline, their knowledge remains intact. But if they stop practicing and abandon their habits of discipline, because of neglect their grasp on the subject will begin to weaken—first a little, then increasingly more—until eventually, their knowledge fades altogether and is entirely lost from memory.

However, it’s also possible that when this decline first begins—when the person starts slipping due to a subtle but corrupting negligence—they might still recover. If they are awakened to their condition early enough and return quickly to their previous diligence, they can restore what they’ve only recently begun to lose and reclaim knowledge that had not yet been deeply erased. Now let’s apply this to those who pursue the knowledge and wisdom of God—a pursuit that far surpasses any earthly study in depth and value. Consider, through the lens of this analogy, what it means to gain divine knowledge—or to lose it—especially when we reflect on the words of the apostle, who says that the perfect will see the glory of the Lord face to face in the revelation of His mysteries.

In our effort to highlight the divine blessings given to us by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—the source of all holiness—we’ve digressed somewhat from our main point. While speaking about the soul, which came up incidentally, we touched briefly on a related matter concerning human nature. With God’s help, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we hope to return more fully, at the appropriate time, to a fuller discussion of all rational beings, which are classified into three types and distinct categories.

An Excellent Wife

She is careful about how she approaches the various duties of the home, which she rules and oversees. She adopts a wise, God-approved character. This leads her to bless all who are in various relationships with her. Husbands do well to approach their duties, character-development, and relationships in the same way.

Neal Pollard

The book of Proverbs ends with an investigation (chapter 31). The writer, whether Lemuel is making observations or passing along his mother’s sage guidance, leads the search. He writes how rare and valuable an excellent wife is (31:10). It is a literary masterpiece, an acrostic poem (each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet), a chiasm (“a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or modified form,” Apple Dictionary, 2.3.0). You would diagram the outline of the chiasm like this: A B C B A. The chiasm was a literary way to show the heart or focus of a specific section of Scripture. It would be readily identified by a Jewish reader, but it enriches our study when we understand that it’s intentionally there. The heart of this poem is verse 23: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.” The net effect of the kind of wife described here is that it blesses her spouse’s life. That should be the goal of every married person, to raise others’ view of him or her through the righteous conduct of our life. What is the character of the wife described here?

  • She is prized and praiseworthy (10, 30-31).
  • Her husband and home are profited by and praise her (11-12, 28-29).
  • She is a hard worker (13-19, 27). 
  • She is generous with her material things and her wisdom (20, 26).
  • She is not ruled by worries and fears (21,25).
  • She dresses her children and house well and she dresses her character well (21-22, 24-25).

Some have used this poem to try and hold up a “Renaissance Woman,” an ideal so unrealistic that no woman could ever live up to her standard. These have had too narrow a view of the author’s purpose. He is trying to demonstrate the kind of approach that a wife, in this context, should take to her role and responsibility. She is careful about how she approaches the various duties of the home, which she rules and oversees. She adopts a wise, God-approved character. This leads her to bless all who are in various relationships with her. Husbands do well to approach their duties, character-development, and relationships in the same way. Society will be benefited from its members taking who they are and what they do more seriously. So will the church and the home. 

What a blessing to be married to an excellent wife! There is no substitute for this. How it makes the inevitable burdens of life easier to carry. Let us all strive to be excellent in the role(s) God has given to us! 

As a Vapor Vanishes: Reflecting on the Brevity of Life

The tragedy of Fauja Singh’s passing should stir us, not just with grief, but with resolve. Not everyone will run marathons. But all of us are race runners.

Brent Pollard

“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4.14)

At 114, Fauja Singh had outrun time itself—until time caught up with him on a quiet village road.

The world mourned the tragic death of Fauja Singh, the legendary marathon runner from Punjab, India. At 114 years old, he was hit and killed by a vehicle while walking in his village. Known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” he started running in his late 80s, broke age-related barriers, and inspired people worldwide. His sudden and heartbreaking passing reminds us painfully that life is uncertain. (Singh, 2025)

Even the most lively and resolute spirit cannot escape the limited nature of time.

Scripture speaks with sobering clarity about the fragility of life. “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away” (Psalm 90.10). This psalm of Moses captures both time’s swift passage and life’s inevitable end. Even for someone like Fauja Singh, who surpassed expectations by living over 110 years, the outcome remains the same. “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9.27).

Life’s Fleeting Nature

King David wrote, “Man is like a mere breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” (Psalm 144.4). Job adds, “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil. Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain” (Job 14.1–2). These are not ornamental flourishes for funerals; they are divine truths designed to ground the living.

Even in Isaiah’s reflective sorrow, we read, “Like a shepherd’s tent my dwelling is pulled up and removed from me; as a weaver I rolled up my life. He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me.” (Isaiah 38.12). Scripture layers these images deliberately—vapor that dissipates, flowers that wither, shadows that fade. Each metaphor reinforces the same sobering truth: nothing in this life endures.

The Illusion of Control

The book of James highlights our assumption. We often speak confidently about “tomorrow,” make arrangements for profit and travel, and forget that we have no control over even a single heartbeat. James doesn’t forbid us from planning, but advises us to include God in our plans. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that’” (James 4.15).

Our culture idolizes productivity and mastery of time, filling calendars, chasing deadlines, and marking anniversaries as if we can control time. But a single accident on a quiet village road can shatter that illusion.

We are not the masters of our fate. We are the stewards of fleeting days.

A Call to Wisdom

What, then, shall we do with this fleeting existence? Moses offers a simple but profound prayer: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90.12). This is not a morbid obsession with death; rather, it is a prudent recognition of it.

A devoted child of God lives each day with eternity in mind. As the Hebrew writer reminds us, judgment comes after death (Hebrews 9.27). There is no second race or alternative path. Whether we die at 14 or 114, the race concludes for everyone—and ultimately, the finish line that truly counts appears.

For those in Christ, that finish line is not fearful. The apostle Paul, nearing his end, wrote with confidence, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4.7). We are not guaranteed a long race, but it must be a faithful one.

Redeeming the Time

The tragedy of Fauja Singh’s passing should stir us, not just with grief, but with resolve. Not everyone will run marathons. But all of us are race runners. The Hebrew writer exhorts us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and…run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12.1).

This life—delicate and brief as it is—is a gift. It’s not meant for self-indulgence but for obedience. It’s not for procrastination but for preparation. If today is all we have, let it be a day that honors God.

Conclusion

Like the marathons he ran for decades, Singh’s life had a clear beginning, a long middle filled with purpose, and an end that came suddenly. The race is over, but the legacy of how he ran remains. He reminds us that neither extraordinary strength nor advanced age can prevent the end of life. For everyone, death is certain—sometimes sudden, sometimes anticipated, but always unavoidable.

The vapor will vanish. But until then, let us live wisely, walk humbly, and prepare fervently for what lies ahead.

“For what is your life?” (James 4.14 KJV)

This is a question worth asking before our last breath answers it.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Reference list:

Singh, I. P. (2025, July 15). At 114, oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh killed in road accident. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/at-114-oldest-marathon-runner-fauja-singh-killed-in-road-accident/articleshow/122460660.cms

Jesus The Light

A few weeks ago, I ordered motion-sensing nightlights from Amazon. They’re not super bright, but their gentle glow keeps me from stumbling over the toys my kids leave scattered across the house. I’m half-convinced they place those blocks strategically to cause maximum damage! Those nightlights, though, are lifesavers. 

Light changes everything.

Carl Pollard

A few weeks ago, I ordered motion-sensing nightlights from Amazon. They’re not super bright, but their gentle glow keeps me from stumbling over the toys my kids leave scattered across the house. I’m half-convinced they place those blocks strategically to cause maximum damage! Those nightlights, though, are lifesavers. 

Light changes everything. It reveals what’s hidden, guides us safely, and offers comfort. A lighthouse directs ships to shore. Headlights illuminate the road ahead. When a strange noise echoes at night, a flick of a switch brings reassurance. Light is security, hope, and power. Sadly, our world grows darker every day. We’re flooded with voices—news alerts, influencers, politicians, even loved ones—competing for our attention. The noise can be overwhelming, drowning out what’s true and steady. Yet, through this chaos, one voice shines clearly: Jesus, proclaiming, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). In a world of distractions and deception, our Savior says He is the way, the truth, the life—a lifeline for us all.

To grasp the weight of Jesus’ words, imagine the scene in John 8. It’s the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, a week-long celebration of God’s provision for Israel in the wilderness. Each night, massive lampstands illuminated the temple courts, their flames recalling the pillar of fire that guided God’s people (Exodus 13:21-22). These lights symbolized God’s presence and guidance. Amid this glowing backdrop, Jesus stands and declares, “I am the light of the world.” This isn’t subtle. He’s claiming to be the fulfillment of those lamps, the God who led Israel. His Jewish audience understood: Isaiah 60:19 promises, “The Lord will be your everlasting light,” and Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Jesus is saying, “I am that God.”

When Jesus says “I AM,” He echoes God’s name from the burning bush: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Each “I AM” statement in John’s Gospel is a bold claim to divinity. Some argue Jesus never claimed to be God, but His actions tell a different story. He calms storms, as God does in Job 38. He gives sight to the blind, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. He calls Himself the Good Shepherd, like God in Jeremiah 31. When accused of breaking the Sabbath, He claims to be its Lord (Luke 6), working to sustain creation while we rest. The Jews knew what He meant, accusing Him of blasphemy (John 8:59).

This darkness Jesus speaks of isn’t just poetic—it’s the spiritual reality of a world and heart estranged from God. In John 8, we see it: Pharisees, blind with self-righteousness, ready to stone a woman caught in adultery; the woman, trapped in shame; the crowds, restless for meaning. That’s our world too—chasing success, pleasure, or power, yet left empty. 

Jesus’ light exposes our sin and need, but it also overcomes them. He promises, “Follow me, and you’ll have the light of life.” The blind man in John 9 didn’t just gain sight; he saw Jesus and worshipped (John 9:38). The Pharisees, clinging to pride, stayed blind (John 9:40-41).

So, what do we do? First, recognize your darkness—pride, shame, or chasing what can’t satisfy. Second, follow Jesus daily, trusting His truth over the world’s noise. Finally, reflect His light, forgiving others or sharing the gospel (Matthew 5:14-16). Jesus, the Light of the World, is the God who conquers death and guides us home. 

The darkness is real, but His light is stronger. Will you step into it?

Over 40 Times

Over 40 times, Scripture directly commands us to defend, protect, and care for orphans and widows. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a high priority in God’s heart.

Dale Pollard

Over 40 times, Scripture directly commands us to defend, protect, and care for orphans and widows. This isn’t a suggestion—it’s a high priority in God’s heart.

Take a quick look at few of these passages: 

Deuteronomy 10:18 – God executes justice for the fatherless and widow.

Isaiah 1:17 – “Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”

Jeremiah 7:6 – “If you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow…then I will let you dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers forever.” 

Zechariah 7:10 – “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless…”

And here’s one that we’ll take a closer look at: 

In Job 29, Job makes the argument that he’s a righteous man because he, 

“rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them.” 

Breaking this down in order, notice what the most righteous man of his day knew about righteous living, 

In verse 4 he claims, “I was a friend of God…” to explain, this he provides examples of what built this close friendship:

“I delivered the poor who cried for help…” (v.12) 

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a clean & royal garment” (v.14). 

This was a lifestyle and not a few occasions that he could recall. 

And finally, 

“I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know” (v.16). 

See how many aspects of his faithful qualities revolved around caring for and looking for those who were needy? The emphasis is on those who were fatherless, widows, and the most vulnerable. What a great guy, and what a greater God. We can be His friend by doing the same today. 

Does God Still Send Disasters As Punishment?

When disaster strikes, people instinctively seek meaning. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and earthquakes tore through Haiti, a famous televangelist swiftly claimed these events were acts of divine retribution. While such statements may seek to provide a sense of cosmic order, they often do more harm than good and reveal a troubling misunderstanding of God’s character in our modern world.

Brent Pollard

When disaster strikes, people instinctively seek meaning. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and earthquakes tore through Haiti, a famous televangelist swiftly claimed these events were acts of divine retribution. While such statements may seek to provide a sense of cosmic order, they often do more harm than good and reveal a troubling misunderstanding of God’s character in our modern world.

This impulse originates from retributive theology, which holds that God punishes sin through physical means, such as natural disasters. This view has deep roots in the Old Testament, where Israel’s covenant promised prosperity to those who obeyed and calamity to those who rebelled. In this unique covenant between God and a nation, God linked physical blessings and curses directly to the nation’s spiritual faithfulness.

But does that system still govern our world today?

A Covenant of Earthly Consequences

To understand this question, we need to revisit ancient Israel—a time when God’s people constituted a literal nation with defined borders, laws, and a temple. In this theocratic context, God sent droughts, diseases, and foreign armies to discipline His people and urge them to return to faithfulness. Prophets like Elijah (1 Kings 17.1) and Amos (Amos 4.6-11) proclaimed these judgments with divine authority, and Israel’s history unfolded as a visible drama of obedience and its consequences.

Even within the Old Testament, a deeper mystery unfolds. The story of Job—a righteous man who suffers beyond human comprehension—challenges the idea of simple retribution. When Job’s friends insisted that his suffering must be a sign of hidden sin, God rebuked them (Job 42.7-8). Their critical mistake was presuming to speak for God about matters they could not fully understand.

A Kingdom Transformed

Christ’s arrival transformed everything as profoundly as dawn breaks the night. God’s people are no longer confined to a single nation or governed by stone tablets. We are now citizens of a spiritual kingdom, shaped not by geography but by grace, led not by thunder from Sinai but by the gentle voice of the Spirit.

Nowhere in the New Testament do we see God threaten the Church with natural disasters as punishment for sin. While divine discipline is still a reality—“the Lord disciplines those He loves”—its nature has undergone a profound transformation (Hebrews 12.6). The Spirit convicts hearts, churches correct, and the consequences manifest in individuals’ souls rather than in their harvests.

When Calamity Comes

This fact does not imply that God is distant when disaster occurs. He remains sovereign, with His providence still overseeing the wind and waves. However, we need to carefully distinguish between stating that God can use tragedy for a purpose and claiming that He caused it to punish specific sins.

When people asked Jesus about a collapsed tower that killed eighteen people, He did not speculate about the victims’ sins. Instead, He gave an urgent yet gentle reminder: “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13.5 NASB95). This statement suggests that tragedy is not proof of others’ hidden wrongdoings, but rather a call for us to examine our hearts.

All creation suffers under the weight of sin, and hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires are symptoms of a world fractured by the fall, not signs of an angry God pacing heaven’s battlements. Even amidst such brokenness, He draws near with compassion.

Discipline Refined

God’s discipline today is not diminished but refined. It comes through the quiet grief that follows sin, the loving correction of faithful friends, and the Spirit’s gentle whisper through the Word. No longer does God thunder judgments from mountaintops—He writes His corrections on our biblically trained consciences through grace.

Claiming that every disaster represents divine judgment misinterprets both the grace of the New Covenant and the nature of our Savior. Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save it (Luke 19.10). The cross speaks more profoundly than any hurricane—there, God’s justice and mercy met, and love triumphed.

Our Response

When disasters inevitably strike, let us respond with compassion rather than blame. Let us be Christ’s hands, lifting those who have fallen and rebuilding what tragedy has broken. Before we point out the faults of others, let us examine our hearts. Above all, let us offer hope instead of theories.

We live not under wrathful skies but beneath a gracious banner. If God speaks through storms today, it’s not to destroy but to awaken, not to punish but to invite.

In this broken world, the Church’s message must never be “They got what they deserved” but “Come, weary soul, and find rest in Christ.” He doesn’t send floods to wash us away but offers living water to make us whole.

“Without You, I Am Empty Inside”

It is written that without the divine, humanity experiences a spiritual emptiness, but through Christ’s grace, a deep fullness is graciously given. Our hearts are like empty vessels—designed to be filled with God’s presence, love, and Spirit. The true and lasting fulfillment we seek can only be found in Him.

Brent Pollard

A Fascinating Motto on a Cardboard Box

My Amazon parcel displayed a curious motto on its outside: “Without you, I am empty inside.” This phrase playfully alludes to the upcoming annual Prime Days in July, but also holds a deeper meaning for me beyond shopping. My father mentioned he might develop the idea into a sermon, and I believed this slogan could inspire an article. So, here we are.

Unpacking the Emotional Significance

Let’s examine this slogan closely, out of its context. The phrase “Without you, I am empty inside” highlights a profound emotional reliance on someone to feel complete or satisfied. At first glance, it clearly expresses deep love, longing, or attachment, implying that the speaker feels incomplete or directionless without the person being addressed. Additionally, it highlights vulnerability and illustrates the profound impact that another person’s presence has on one’s emotional well-being.

When Longing Turns into Dependency

However, it also invites reflection on self-reliance and emotional health. Feeling “empty” without someone might point to dependence on external validation, which can be unhealthy if overdone. It could also mirror genuine affection in a romantic context, but might alternatively highlight vulnerability or a lack of self-identity, depending on the situation.

A Secular Slogan with Sacred Implications

This profound and complex statement conveys a strong sense of emotion and urgency, possibly revealing a search for meaning or harmony. The phrase “Without you, I am empty inside” on a retailer’s box expresses a heartfelt feeling about connection that resonates deeply. While it adds authenticity and uniqueness to the brand, it may lack clarity about the retailer’s offerings or overall tone.

Ultimately, I know Amazon cannot truly fulfill the deeper longings of my soul.

From Emptiness to Fulfillment in Christ

The heartfelt phrase “Without you, I am empty inside” reflects a core spiritual truth: without God, humanity feels a deep emptiness. True fulfillment is only found through connection with the Creator via the Redeemer. This theme runs throughout Scripture—from the chaotic emptiness at the beginning of Genesis to the abundant fulfillment foretold at the end in Revelation.

The Emptiness of Life Without God

Scripture frequently illustrates the desolation that comes with a life separated from God. Ecclesiastes 1.2 states, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” highlighting the emptiness of life without a higher purpose.

Jeremiah 2.13 uses a vivid metaphor: people forsake the “fountain of living waters” in favor of excavating “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” These defective containers symbolize our faulty attempts to find fulfillment apart from the divine.

Proverbs 27:20 observes that “people’s eyes are never satisfied” (HCSB), highlighting the endless human desire for worldly pursuits. Similarly, Genesis 1.2 describes the earth as “formless and void” before God’s presence brought it order and life—symbolizing the soul’s emptiness when separated from Him.

Filled With the Spirit

The New Testament offers a divine solution for human despair through the Holy Spirit residing within us. Ephesians 5.18 urges believers to “be filled with the Spirit,” indicating an ongoing, active pursuit of spiritual growth. In Acts 2.4 and 4.31, we see a striking change in the disciples; empowered by the Spirit, they transitioned from fear to confidence. The Spirit’s presence provides purpose and direction, filling the emptiness with meaning and significance.

This deep sense of fulfillment sharply contrasts with the world’s transient attempts to satisfy the spirit. Acts 4.31 emphasizes that genuine fullness in the Spirit results in bold testimony and divine strength, not futile efforts.

Completeness in Christ

Central to biblical teachings on fullness is Jesus Christ. As Colossians 2.9–10 affirms, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete.” Believers, in the divine embrace, discover they lack nothing in their spiritual path.

2 Corinthians 5.17 declares that those in Christ are “a new creature,” while Ephesians 3.19 encourages us to be “filled up to all the fullness of God.” Philippians 4.19 assures believers that God supplies every need “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Fulfillment is not just a future hope but a current reality in Christ.

Dependence on God for Satisfaction

Humanity isn’t meant to be self-sufficient, as emphasized in John 15.5: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Our connection with the Savior is as essential as a branch’s link to the vine. As 2 Corinthians 12.9 shows, divine strength is fully revealed through our weakness. Psalm 127.1 reminds us that without the Lord, our efforts are ultimately unsuccessful.

Proverbs 3.5–6 encourages us to trust in God fully and warns against relying solely on our own understanding. Genuine contentment comes from surrendering to God’s guidance, not from self-reliance.

God’s Invitation to Satisfaction

The Psalms express a heartfelt longing for the divine and a strong confidence in God’s ability to meet that need. Psalm 42.1 vividly compares the soul’s desire to a deer’s thirst for water. Isaiah 55.1–2 invites those who are thirsty to come and find nourishment in God, contrasting this with the emptiness of worldly pursuits. Psalm 107.9 affirms, “He has satisfied the thirsty soul,” and Psalm 63.1 vividly equates spiritual thirst with a dry, waterless land.

The Contrast of Emptiness and Fullness

In John 10.10, a clear contrast is evident: “The thief comes only to steal and kill, and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Christ offers abundance, whereas Satan promotes destruction. Matthew 5.6 assures fulfillment for those who seek righteousness earnestly, while John 6.35 portrays Christ as the eternal sustenance, providing lasting satisfaction.

Revelation 7.16 offers a powerful assurance: “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore.” Eternal satisfaction awaits the saved.

Made Whole in Him

The New Testament consistently affirms that believers are made complete in Christ (Colossians 2.10). John 17.23 offers a deep depiction of unity with God, while Ephesians 4.13 encourages us to strive for spiritual growth, reflecting Christ’s essence. The passages from Psalm 16.11 and 36.7–9 eloquently express the joy and richness experienced in God’s presence.

Conclusion

It is written that without the divine, humanity experiences a spiritual emptiness, but through Christ’s grace, a deep fullness is graciously given. Our hearts are like empty vessels—designed to be filled with God’s presence, love, and Spirit. The true and lasting fulfillment we seek can only be found in Him.

Thus, “without you,” my God, “I am empty inside.”

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Call To Forgive

Forgiveness is challenging, especially when wounds are deep. Yet Jesus’ words are clear: to experience God’s forgiveness fully, we must extend it to others. Here are three practical ways to live this out…

Carl Pollard

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This powerful statement, part of the Sermon on the Mount, underscores the centrality of forgiveness in the Christian life. Take a moment with me to explore its meaning and practical implications for today.

These verses follow the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), where Jesus instructs His disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” The Sermon on the Mount outlines the radical ethics of God’s kingdom, emphasizing heart transformation over mere external actions. Forgiveness, Jesus reveals, is not optional but a defining mark of His followers.

The Greek word for “forgive” (*aphiēmi*) means to release or let go, implying a deliberate choice to relinquish resentment or the demand for retribution. Jesus ties our forgiveness of others to God’s forgiveness of us, not as a condition for salvation but as evidence of a transformed heart. The phrase “your heavenly Father will not forgive” warns that harboring unforgiveness disrupts our fellowship with God, as it contradicts His merciful nature (Ephesians 4:32). In the first-century Jewish context, where grudges and vengeance were common, this teaching was unheard of, calling Christian’s to mirror God’s grace.

Forgiveness is challenging, especially when wounds are deep. Yet Jesus’ words are clear: to experience God’s forgiveness fully, we must extend it to others. Here are three practical ways to live this out:

1. Choose to Forgive Daily

    Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time act. When memories of hurt resurface, pray that God will soften your heart and give you the strength to overcome. This will shift your focus on Him and align your heart with God’s, breaking the grip of bitterness. Consider writing a letter (not to send) expressing your pain, then destroy it as a way of letting go.

    2. Reflect on God’s Mercy

    Meditate on how much God has forgiven you. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us that God’s mercy is unending. When we grasp the depth of His grace, forgiving others becomes less about their worthiness and more about His love flowing through us. Spend time in prayer thanking God for His forgiveness to soften your heart toward others.

    3. Seek Reconciliation Wisely

    Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation, especially in cases of abuse or unrepentant harm. But where possible, take steps toward peace (Romans 12:18). This might mean a conversation to clear misunderstandings or setting healthy boundaries while still releasing resentment.

    Forgiving others frees us from the prison of bitterness, restores our intimacy with God, and reflects His kingdom to a hurting world. By forgiving, we become conduits of God’s grace, transforming relationships and pointing others to Christ. Let’s embrace this call, trusting God to heal our hearts as we release others to Him.