Topic: (Provoked, But For Good!)
SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
MESSAGE.
Some people try hard to succeed through their own natural wisdom. They are well-schooled and vastly-knowledgeable, yet true success eludes Brad always craved the spotlight and never liked to be upstaged by anyone. So when some of his friends started hanging out more with Matt, he cooked up nasty stories about him and spread them among their friends. It’s possible to have “friends” like Brad who want you to go against God’s Word by inciting you against others instead of inspiring you to love and good works. We’re counselled in Scripture to mark such individuals and steer clear of them (Romans 16:17).
Every Christian ought to provoke his brothers and sisters in Christ to good works, because that’s why God created us—to produce good works. Titus 2:14 describes us as a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Don’t provoke someone to hate, be angry with, or resent another brother or sister in God’s house. Never say or do things that could engender strife or cause division in the Body of Christ; that’s not Christianity. You were created to love. Jesus said in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Ignite love in someone else’s heart.
If anyone tries to instigate you to dislike someone, know that it’s a wrong spirit working through them. Anything that tries to incite you to dislike, be bitter or enraged with someone else is from the devil; reject it in its entirety! Promote love instead, and correct anyone who has fallen into such an error in love.
Love is the life of the new creation; it’s the way of victory and the sign that you’ve passed from death to life (1 John 3:14). Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). God has given you His love and the ability to love like Him (Romans 5:5). Therefore, provoke others to love. Let love show in your language and manner of life. Let others see and experience God’s love through you always.
Go Deeper
Romans 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 John 3:16-18
Speak
Thank you, blessed Father, for the manifestation of your love and righteousness in me. Your love isn’t just something I experience but something I also lavishly express to my world. I triumph gloriously today as I walk in love and provoke others to love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 11:2-34, Psalms 142-145
two Year Bible Reading
Colossians 3:12-25, Jeremiah 13
Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 in the New International Version. Insert your name in the place of the word “love” and affirm that you have those qualities described in those verses.
The Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo is written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. This devotional is designed for teenagers to inspire, encourage and strengthen them by providing answer-from the perspective of God’s Word-to question of critical concern… read more
