Daily Worship

Thank you for determined love

Jo Black February 21, 2025 8 4
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Luke 6: 22 (NRSVA)

22 ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.

Isn’t it incredible that the church of God thrives in adversity?

Those countries where Jesus’ love is seen as a threat are where it proliferates. While western religious freedoms have often led to complacency, our persecuted brothers and sisters round the world fight for every opportunity to worship, serve and love the Lord who sees their determined love and blesses it.

They are hated, excluded, insulted and rejected by their culture, families and homeland because they refuse to renounce their belief that Jesus is who He says He is. They shoulder his teaching that they will be persecuted for following him and carry on anyway.

This determined love humbles and challenges me. Could I be so faithful in such circumstances? Is the lack of opposition in my life an indictment on a lukewarm faith?

Blessing comes through holding onto His name no matter what — I better get my priorities in order!

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, forgive me for when I take faith for granted. Help me build my spiritual muscle ready for a fight.

Lord, forgive me for when I seek worldly approval and admiration rather than integrity in You. I want to be a good and faithful servant at the end rather than pursue a flighty fame right now — keep me humble.

Lord, forgive me for when I live in a bubble. Help me to remember those counting the cost for liberty I carry lightly.

Grow your church, Lord. For the sake of your name (not mine). And help me to be willing to be hated for loving you. You were hated and yet still you love. Help me to know and to live in that love no matter what.

Thank you that having a determined love is worth it.

Amen