1 Timothy 5:24-25 Our Deeds; Revealed and Hidden

The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. [1 Timothy 5:24-25 NASB]

Often, criminal activity is obvious. We can see if someone is a thief, a rioter, or a murderer. In less criminal circumstances, we can tell if someone is a habitual liar, or a drunkard. We can look at such people, and unless they acknowledge and receive the Lord's grace, we know their fate in the judgement. We can easily recognize the deeds of the flesh;

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:19-21 NASB]

There are other sins that are not quite so obvious. Jesus said;

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court. [Matthew 5:21-22 NASB]

He also said;

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [Matthew 5:27-28 NASB]

I have heard Christians justify their roving eyes by saying, "There's no harm in looking." But, according to Jesus, there is. It is sin, just as surely as if you hooked up and had an adulterous affair. In God's eyes, sinful thoughts are just as sinful as sinful acts.

Likewise, some good deeds are obvious, and others are not. But all of our deeds, whether obvious or hidden, will be revealed in the final judgement;

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. [1 Corinthians 4:5 NASB]

In this context, it is apparent that Paul was still instructing Timothy regarding the discipline and appointment of elders.

On a more personal note, this scripture applies to our own lives. We need to examine ourselves, and we need to be sure of our righteous standing with God. We may think our sin is hidden, but God has said, "be sure your sin will find you out." [Numbers 32:23 NASB]

In the same way, your good deeds will also be apparent to the world. Jesus said;

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 5:16 NASB]

Some of our good deeds are noticeable, but others will never be seen or recognized. We must remember that we do good works for the glory of God, and not for recognition. Jesus said;

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 6:1 NASB]

This is a question of motive. If you do good works to be seen, then the recognition of men is the only reward you will receive, and you will have forfeited your heavenly reward. 

But, if you serve with the right motives, and the world sees your good works, then the glory goes to God, and you will receive your reward in heaven.

Father, I pray that you will reveal my heart and show me my hidden sins that I may confess them to You. Please forgive me of my sins and give me the grace to overcome them. Please show my motives in service to You, and help me to keep them pure.

1 Timothy 5:23 Wine and Healing

No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. [1 Timothy 5:23 NASB]

There are a couple of interesting points to be made in this passage. The first regards the drinking of alcohol.

There are some religious traditions that absolutely forbid the drinking of alcohol. To them, alcohol in any form and any amount is sinful. They say that when the Bible speaks of drinking wine, it means non-alcoholic wine (that is, juice). But the scriptures don't bear this out. They say that the excessive use of wine leads to drunkenness. You don't get drunk on grape juice.

It's easy to see where this doctrine came from. After all, the Bible teaches that drunkenness is a sin;

envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:21 NASB]

If you abstain from wine completely, then you never need to worry about drunkenness. Total abstinence seems to have been Timothy's tactic, but Paul corrected him by telling him to drink a little wine for medicinal purposes.

I know a God-fearing Christian who enjoys an ice-cold beer at the end of a hot day. He is able to limit himself to a single beer, and doesn't get drunk.

There are others who, if they have one, they have to have a second, then a third and more. If they drink a little, it leads to drinking a lot. They need to abstain from alcohol altogether; not because religion dictates it, but to avoid the sin and consequence of drunkenness.

Whether to avoid alcohol or not is not a matter of religious imposition, but of personal responsibility.

The second interesting point, to me, is the mention of Timothy's "frequent ailments". You can me sure that with Timothy and Paul's close companionship, Paul prayed for Timothy to be healed. Timothy's ailments were never healed; not because of lack of faith on the part of either Paul or Timothy, but because God didn't  heal him.

I believe that God heals today, just as He did in the Bible. I have prayed for people to be healed, and I have witnessed miraculous healings. I also acknowledge that not everybody is healed.

There are those who teach that God no longer heals. But there is no scriptural evidence that the Holy Spirit would stop moving in supernatural ways after the "apostolic age". They usually refer the scripture;

Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. [1 Corinthians 13:8-10 NASB]

The idea that "the perfect" is the end of the apostolic age and completion of scripture is simply reading into the scripture according to preconceived notions. The only description of perfection refers to the new heavens and the new earth, when this earth has been destroyed.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who believe that God will heal everyone in this life, and if you are not healed it is because of unrepentant sin, or lack of faith. Again, they cherry pick their healing scriptures and create a doctrine without considering the full context of scripture. Jesus did not heal every person in Israel. As today's passage indicates, Timothy was not healed. 

Some preachers say that if you live a godly life, you will have perfect health. They arrogantly point to their own robust health as an example. The problem with teaching that people are not healed because they are in sin, or lacking in faith, is that it nullifies God's grace. God's gifts become something to be earned.

People who are not healed are shamed, and made to believe that their sickness is their own fault, and not the result of living in a fallen world. The wagging tongues speculate about what kind of sin is keeping them from being healed, or marvel at the weakness of their faith.

The teaching falls apart when the preacher falls ill or infirm with age, and eventually dies, as we all must.

Why wasn't Timothy healed? I don't know. The Bible doesn't say. It doesn't tell us why some people are healed and others are not. 

This does not diminish my faith in God in any way. I thank Him for my health, and I praise Him for my infirmities. I propose that it takes more faith to thank God for your sickness than it does to believe for good health. As we are told;

always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; [Ephesians 5:20 NASB]

Thank God for all things. Believe that, in all things, He loves you and has your best interest at heart. Believe that God will do only good for us, and not evil. Not all things that are hard or unpleasant are evil. Sometimes we just don't understand, but that's okay. We continue to trust God.

Lord, thank You that you are the God who heals. Thank you for your promise that I can come to You with my request for healing. I pray that You will keep me in good health, and heal my infirmities.

1 Timothy 5:17-22 Honoring Elders

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. [1 Timothy 5:17-22 NASB]

The word "elders" used in this passage doesn't refer to age, but to position. They are the appointed leaders who preside over the local church. They are not rulers in the sense of a king ruling over his subjects, but as the first among peers. An elder is like a tour guide who leads the way because he has been there before, or has studied the maps and know the way.

The elders are worthy of double honor. There are some pastors who would like for this to mean that they should make twice as much money as those in the congregation. Unfortunately for them, the scriptures don't bear that interpretation out. There are some congregations who go to the opposite extreme and say that the pastor shouldn't be paid at all. That also is unscriptural. Elders ("pastors" according to modern usage) should be honored with respect and with support. The man of God who devotes his life to the work of the ministry should receive a livable wage.

Paul quotes two scriptures to make his point; Deuteronomy 25:4, and Luke 10:7. At the time of this writing, Luke's gospel had been in circulation for about ten years. It was already considered scripture. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, felt free to quote the work written by his own helper and ministry partner, and call it scripture.

Honoring elders involves giving them the respect to disregard rumors. 

Devoting yourself to the service of God places a target on your back. For the elders, this means that they must live a life so far above reproach that there can be no credible accusation against them. 

For the rest of us, it means that if an accusation is made against an elder, it is to be disregarded as mere rumor unless it has been corroborated. This corroboration must be from two or three eyewitnesses, and not two or three people who have heard and repeated the same rumor.

Elders who fall into sin deserve the same consideration and correction as any other believer. Jesus said;

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [Matthew 18:15-17 NASB]

Pastors are human, and are subject to the same human frailties as you and I. If they fail, they should be rebuked in private, and, if they turn from their sin, it should go no further. But, as Paul said, if they continue to sin, then they should be rebuked in the presence of all.

There are some who are so biased against ministers that the merest hint of a rumor will have them clamoring for the pastor's removal. There are others who are so enthralled with the pastor that they believe he can do no wrong. Both attitudes will prejudice your judgement. But if anybody is brought before the church for judgement, or if you are in a position to judge, then you must not form an opinion until you have heard all the facts.

The elders - or pastors - deserve honor; not because they are better, and not because they rule, but because the have chosen to serve. The word "minister" literally means "a servant". There are some who have lost sight of that. But those pastors who serve well have chosen to be a servant of God, and a servant to His people.

Father, I thank you that You have appointed ministers to teach us and guide us in the paths of righteousness. I pray for the elders at my church that you will bless them and give them wisdom lo lead.

1 Timothy 5:9-16 Widows

A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. [1 Timothy 5:9-16 NASB]

Today's passage must be understood within its cultural context. In the first century Roman empire, there were no social programs for the elderly. Retirement programs were unheard of since a family's wages went to feeding and housing the family. A man was expected to work all of his life, until the day he died. There were very few business women. Most women raised a family and relied exclusively on their husbands or grown children to take care of them. It that culture, when the husband died, the woman was left desolate.

In this setting, the church took it upon itself to care for the widows within the church. Unfortunately, as often happens, what started as a good thing was taken advantage of and corrupted. Paul sent Timothy some guidelines to correct the abuses to the system.

First, he says that the widow must be "not less than sixty years old." At first glance, this seems like an arbitrary age. But there is a principle involved. In the first century, it was very rare for anyone to live beyond their sixties. It would be like saying 90 years old today. The point is that she has reached an age where she is too elderly to work, and is unlikely to remarry. If she has no means of support, and no prospects, then she is needy indeed.

She must have been demonstrating Christian virtues throughout her life, and not just when she is looking for help. The virtues demonstrated by her actions include faithfulness, generosity, responsibility, humility and compassion.

She also must have no children or grandchildren who are able or willing to take care of her.

Younger women were abusing the system by taking the support from the church, and then lazily going about being gossips and busybodies.

Paul also said that the younger widows tend to remarry, "thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge." Before a widow was added to the list for support, she had to make a vow to the Lord to serve Him and the church through prayer and acts of service. They weren't to be distracted by any outside interests such as work, romance, or anything of a carnal nature. The young widows tended to remarry. There is nothing wrong with that in itself, except that it meant breaking a previous vow to the Lord.

Modern American culture is different from first century Ephesus in many ways. For starters, society has decided to take care of the elderly through social programs, effectively filling the role that once belonged to the the church.

Not only do most women work in some capacity, but many hold positions of power that once was the exclusive domain of men. It is not uncommon for parents to retire having more money than their children, making the question of children supporting their aging parents moot.

Most churches have some kind of benevolence fund to help people in need, but I am not aware of any church that fully, financially supports widows. Is this wrong? Let's consider.

A modern widow who fits the criteria to be truly needy needs to be elderly beyond the ability to work, she must have no other living family, and no other source of income. Even Social Security, though not a rich source of income, provides enough to live on. There are other programs for health care, and help with medications.

So, does that mean we can ignore this passage? No. There are still principles that apply.

We need to honor the elderly in our midst, and not dismiss them as "out of touch" or "irrelevant". We should be ready to help them whenever they have a need. Perhaps the need isn't financial, but physical. They may need a ride if they have lost the ability to drive. A person who is knowledgeable and "handy" can install grab bars in the bathroom so that they don't fall and injure themselves. Perhaps someone can make small repairs to the home, or mow the lawn. There are many practical ways to help, and honor the elderly.

Lord, I pray that you will give us wisdom in taking care of the elderly in our midst. Please give us the heart to value them and care for them when they need help.

1 Timothy 5:1-2 Respect

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. [1 Timothy 5:1-2 NASB]

There is a Greek word that is used only once in the entire Bible. It is translated here as "sharply rebuke". The literal meaning is "to strike, or to lash out". In other words, don't harshly berate your elders. Instead, treat your elders with respect, as you would your own father.

This shouldn't be taken to mean that a leader shouldn't rebuke an elder at all, only that he does so respectfully. Paul said;

Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. [1 Timothy 5:20 NASB]

The younger men are to be treated as equals. Timothy may have a position of authority, but that does not make him better than them. We are all equal under Jesus Christ, who is the head of us all.

In the same way, the older women are to be treated with the same respect that is shown to the older men, and the younger women are to be treated as equals as well.

There is an added dimension when a man is dealing with young women. Paul tells Timothy that his relationships with them must be "in all purity." A man of God must never be inappropriate with a woman. That includes more than just overt actions. There should be no flirting, no suggestive language, and no double entendres.

While this letter is addressed to Timothy in his role as an apostle, the principles apply to all believers.

The concept of "respect your elders" is largely lost in modern society. Instead of respect we get a dismissive "okay boomer." The younger generation is saying that their elders are irrelevant, and rather than treating them with respect, they speak to them and about them with contempt.

Young Christians need to keep themselves far from this attitude. Do not give in to the pressure of your peers in putting down older people. This is not just for the sake of your elders, but for your own relationship with God. If you are an example of godliness, showing respect, then you can influence your peers to do better.

Regarding relationships between men and women, sexual scandals have been a blight on the church since the early days. Paul addresses this situation in Corinth;

I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. [1 Corinthians 5:5 NASB]

There is no room for sexual immorality in the Christian church. Many formerly respected pastors have been brought down by their sin.

Vice President Mike Pence was mocked by the media when he said that he never allows himself to be in a room alone with a woman who is not his wife. Instead of being mocked, he should be praised for his wisdom.

I once had a college professor ask a class, "Is there a man in this room who can prove that he has never raped a woman?" As we discussed and considered the question, it became clear that the mere accusation of a private event is nearly impossible to disprove. The solution, of course, is to never allow yourself to be in a position where you can be accused.

A pastor should never counsel a woman alone behind closed doors. Leaders aren't the only ones at risk. I once knew a man and woman who shared a ministry which often put them alone during the church service. Then they started to see each other outside of the service, and eventually had an adulterous affair.

Whether you are a man or a woman, it is okay to refuse to be put in a potentially compromising position. you can say "no".

Christians need to stay above reproach in our relationships, whatever that relationship may be. We must be respectful and humble, and we must be mindful of Jesus Christ who lives within us, and of His reputation.

Heavenly Father, I pray for wisdom and Your love when dealing with people. Please remind me to be humble and respectful in all of my words and actions. Give me the grace to bring You into every relationship.

1 Timothy 4:13-16 Using Spiritual Gifts

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. [1 Timothy 4:13-16 NASB]

Timothy's calling was to public ministry; the preaching and teaching of the word of God. Paul is using this letter to encourage Timothy in his task.

The Holy Spirit gave Timothy the gifts he needed to perform his ministry. Some misinterpret the scriptures that say that the gift "was bestowed on you." I have read and heard that the ordination ceremony with the laying on of hands bestowed Timothy's gift, and therefore bestows gifts on ordained preachers today. That is not the case.

It is the Holy Spirit who gives us spiritual gifts. Timothy's gift was bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who confirmed His work through prophetic utterance. The laying on of hands didn't confer the gift. It was a symbolic gesture acknowledging and confirming God's work.

I have heard references to Timothy's "ordination ceremony". It is a mistake to judge scriptures according to modern practices. We see an example of this practice in the book of Acts;

Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. [Acts 13:1-3 NASB]

This wasn't a formal ceremony, or an ordination. It was a gathering of godly men who blessed other godly men before sending them on their journey. It wasn't until later generations that the church became more organized and "religious". 

Paul admonished Timothy to attend carefully to the work of the ministry, and not allow himself to be distracted from it.

He was also told to attend to himself, and to his teaching. He could not allow himself to be led astray, either in conduct or in doctrine. By persevering, he would be saved, and save others. 

Of course, salvation comes from God alone, by grace, through faith. None of us have the power to save another.  But God has chosen to partner with us to preach the word, to live as an example, and to lead people to the Lord. It is the power of Jesus' blood that saves, but God has given us the honor of working through us. That's why James could say;

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. [James 5:19-20 NASB]

Not all of us are called to a public preaching ministry, but the principles here apply to you whatever your ministry may be, whether it be preaching, ushering, accounting, sound mixing, or whatever.

God gives gifts for the work of the ministry. If you neglect your gifts, they will lie dormant and unused. You can serve without the benefit of a spiritual gift, but it will make for poor and ineffective service. If you use your gifts, then God can use you to be a blessing.

Often when people hear of spiritual gifts, they think of the gifts of power;

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:7-10 NASB]

It is my belief that all of these gifts are valid and current, and that God will use anyone who will faithfully use the gifts he has been given. But these are not the only spiritual gifts mentioned in the scriptures. Later in the same chapter, Paul says;

And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:28 NASB]

And also;

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [Romans 12:6-8 NASB]

Your gift may be in administrative tasks like accounting or organizing, or helping, or giving, or praying for the sick, or whatever. The point is, whatever you are called to do, the Holy Spirit will give you the exact, perfect gifts you need to accomplish that work. Whether your gifts are accompanied by prophetic utterance and laying on of hands or not is not important. It is God who gives the gifts, not man.

Whatever your ministry, you need to look out for yourself. Paul said;

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; [Philippians 2:12 NASB]

It is God who saves by grace, through faith. But He wants to partner with you to preserve your salvation through godliness and devotion.

Lord, I thank you for Your salvation, for Your calling, and for Your gifts. Please give me the grace to walk in my calling, and to use my gifts according to Your will.

1 Timothy 4:11-12 Bridging Divisions

Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. [1 Timothy 4:11-12 NASB]

Referencing the preceding verses, Paul is telling Timothy to command and teach the things that lead to godliness. He sees a potential obstacle to Timothy's successful mission, which is his age.

Youth, in the ancient Greek language referred to anyone up to the age of 40. Timothy was, at this time, about 30 years old. He was, of course, a fully grown and mature man, and not what we would call a "youth" today. Compared to Paul, however, who was in his 70's, Timothy was quite young. Youth is relative.

Timothy was tasked with teaching and correcting much older men. There is a tendency among older people to dismiss younger people due to their inexperience. At the same time younger people tend to dismiss their elders, considering them to be out of touch or irrelevant.

Timothy had to win over the older believers in order to effectively minister to them. Before he could teach them, he had to bridge the division between them. This wasn't going to happen by persuasive arguments, or displays of intellect or knowledge, but by being a living example of godliness.

Today, the United States is more divided than it has been in many years. Besides the still active division between the old and young, there are racial divisions, gender divisions, political divisions, and religious divisions.

Black Americans are demonstrating to let the world know that they will not be discriminated against. This is a good message and a worthy goal. However, the message is getting lost to the violence, the fear of rioting and looting, and politics.

White Americans, overall, don't want to see the blacks discriminated against. But they are afraid of losing their rights in favor of the minority. The fear is that the pendulum will swing too far the other way. Add to that the fact that many are turned off by scenes of rioting, vandalism, arson and looting which is associated with Black Lives movement.

It is hard for many to see that most blacks are not rioters and looters, just as most whites are not racist bigots. The actions of a few distort the picture. Ignorant people don't understand that it is only a few and not all. It's like seeing a red spot on a blank canvass, and concluding that the whole canvass is red.

Whatever the conflict, whether it be about racial equality, gender equality, immigration, politics, or whatever else, the issues will not be resolved by arguing or fighting. No matter how influential a person is with his words, that will not be enough to win over most people. The need to see actions. The influence of words is short-lived. In the end, people will be judged by what they do.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to be an example of godliness. Whatever our sphere of influence, no matter how limited or how great, we display God's love, not just with words, but by actively loving others. Jesus said;

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. [Matthew 5:9 NASB]

You may not have the influence to change an entire nation. But by modeling Christ in this world, you may have the opportunity to be used by God to heal one relationship, or one neighborhood, or one city.

If every Christian modeled Jesus instead of fighting over politics, or selfishly demanding their own rights over another, then we could bridge the gap between us. God said;

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. [2 Chronicles 7:14 NASB]

Lord, please search my heart and reveal any prejudice that may still reside there, that I may fully repent. Please give me the grace to love the world as You love the world. I pray also for my country, that You will heal the wounds and divisions that are caused by and illuminated by the recent unrest. Please heal our land.