Daily Devotional

CEASE OFFENDING GOD THROUGH OFFENDING OTHERS

October 6

hen a man mistreats his wife, does he not know that he has directly mistreated and offended his God? When a woman dishonors her husband, does she not know that she has dishonored her heavenly Father? When a child abuses and mistreats its mother and father, does he/she not know that they have rebelled against God Himself? Remember the loving and powerful words of the Lord Jesus when he said, “If you have done these things to one of the least of one of my little ones (your wife, your husband, your parents, your neighbor) you have done them unto me!” (Matthew 25:40) My children, you can no longer afford the luxury of harshness and disregarding those who I have sent to you to be close to you. But, you say, “They don’t understand me. If you had to live with this person and put up with their behavior you, too would be harsh and mean just to get their attention and straighten them out!” Is this so? Has your evil behavior toward them truly changed anything? I don’t think so! I say to you, ask your Father to forgive you of this and change your mind and behavior toward those who have been sent to you of God. Women respond to kindness, tenderness and to a man who admits that he has been “unfeeling” and detached. Men respond to a woman who prays to her Father to teach her the ways of a true godly wife. Parents smile on children who pray toward Heaven for God’s directions for obedience and love in the family. And for you who are without earthly husband or wife. It is good for you to learn submission and kindness toward all who are in authority. This presents the nature of the Lord Jesus through you to all who watch your behavior. I say to you today, honor those who have been given (loving, caring) authority over you. Be at peace with all men and women around you. If you discover otherwise, repent of this and turn in humility toward your God.

Prayer

---

Father in Heaven, I have let these things slip up on me. I call myself a man of God (Woman of God) and I truly am impatient toward the ones for whom I should show the most kindness, true patience, friendship and love. Forgive me as I meditate upon this O Lord. I have isolated myself and in my own struggles I have turned inward and forgotten the priorities of family and love. Truly help me Father. I will never walk on the level of pure grace and maturity until I accept these lessons of acceptance and humility. Do this O Lord in the strong name of my Lord and Savior Jesus, amen!”