I've been wanting to work my way through the New Testement. I have gotten through several books and after a long vacation that I shouldn't have taken, I am going to pick up my Bible again. I am starting a new book. Here goes.
Something the chapter opens right up with is Paul and fellow Christians boasting about this church. We have heard it is wrong to boast and such. Here is a good example of what is okay to boast about, especially what to seek for in others. If you see someone who is having a rough time but still is patient and full of faith, feel free to boast about them and how God is still the center of their lives.
This leads to another thought as you keep reading. Those who cause you grief when you are solid in the Lord will also experience grief. That isn't for us to focus on though. God should be our focus, not those who hurt us or how they will be repaid. That is His and His alone.
We are to focus on loving God and doing good things, thinking good thoughts, and just worshipping Him who loves us so much. We must pray that we are worthy of our calling, that every word and action and thought is to the glory of God. This is how He then can be glorified through us.
This is a place where I am study God's Word for myself. I am a bit of a historian so also including some research into the culture of the times and people that I come across as I read the Bible will be here too. This is just a way for me to share what I learn with others as well as feel like I am being held accountable for keeping up with my devotions. I am lazy by nature and need that small check and balance.
When we commit to loving God and thinking of what is pure, true, of good report, etc., it is amazing how our Lord fills our hearts with joy and peace which leaves less space and time in our lives for dwelling on the hurts and pain of the actions inflicted on us by even the most vile, dangerous, evil individuals we have encountered. Our Savior wants us to release our burdens for Him to carry, and we can move onward in our life journey with the praise of our God in our hearts and in our actions and words.
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