We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Polly Barcol.
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”
Word:
1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” I believe this verse is challenging us to mature in our faith which will result in us thinking more and more like Jesus.
As we grow up in our faith, we will see God, ourselves, and the world through Jesus’ eyes. There may be a tendency for some of us to equate maturity to acting like an “adult” as we define it. Maybe taking things seriously, wearing suits, and acting proper, etc. However, I believe there is a big difference in being childish or being child-like.
Jesus welcomed the children to himself and encouraged childlikeness (Matthew 18:3). We can learn from children in the way they freely trust and love each other. Children don’t distinguish between background, ethnicity, gender… anything. They just see another child as someone to play with, laugh with and ultimately love. They haven’t been hurt or hardened like many adults. There is no hesitation to love and give their heart away.
I believe that God wants us to grow in our faith which equates growing in our LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. Seeing each other as a child of God, whom He loves. Not differentiating between one person or another. Loving like a child, with abandon, like you have never been hurt. What would that look like for you to love like a child, to LOVE LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN HURT?
Prayer:
Lord, may we not be childish but child-like in our trust and love for You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Ask Jesus what it would look like for you to love like you have never been hurt. Then, listen.
To receive the Faith Workout of the Day every morning, please sign up here.
