Delight in the Truth

Read:

1 Corinthians 13:6, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Think:

Martin Niemoller was a prominent Protestant pastor during the Nazi regime in Germany. He was an outspoken critic of Hitler, arrested and placed into various concentration camps. He is best remembered for the quote: “First, why came for Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me.” These words are tragic but often true. We can get comfortable with injustice. Sometimes, we get so self-centered that even though a great injustice is done to someone else, if it isn’t done to us, we won’t do anything about it.

As Christ-followers, we are called to be opposed to all forms of evil and wickedness. We can’t even sympathize with it. Bold love sets aside personal feelings and agendas; it moves humbly into the world of others. Bold love risks pain to be Jesus to someone else.

Act:

Our culture today is permeated with demands for justice. Many people who cry out for justice desire to see others humiliated, harmed, or even killed. the Bible is clear that God loves people and wants to see them saved from sin. Maybe today, you are harboring a grudge against someone. Maybe you are secretly enjoying the suffering of another. Today ask Jesus to cleanse your heart of bitterness and ask for a renewed love for people.

Pray:

Jesus, May I use the truth to honor You. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit; Allow me to be Your hands and feet in the world You have placed me. May I be bold and share Your love with others around me. Amen.