Christlike Living

 Scripture:

“We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient. When someone curses us, we answer with kind words. Until now we are thought of as nothing more than the trash and garbage of this world.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Observation:

Paul is explaining to the Corinthians how to treat people and using himself as and Apollos as examples. He basically gives them the beatitudes that Jesus gave. He tells them when abused, they wish the people well. When suffering, they are patient, When cursed, they offered kind words. Still, they are thought of as trash, but they still serve God with all their hearts.

Application:

What people do to us and how they treat us is up to them. Our response to that treatment is up to us. Paul and Jesus offered a different way of living. They lived through difficult times and offensive times with love and compassion for those who were persecuting them. Rather than fight for our rights, maybe we should simply love and forgive people who are trying to hurt us.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, help me to live like Jesus and Paul lived. Help me to respond to mistreatment they way You would want me to. Help me to treat others the way I want to be treated instead of taking revenge or getting angry. Teach me to walk like You walked. I want to live a more Christlike life every day.

Forever Yours,

Jeff