Daily Bread - Jan 31 07

1 Peter 5:3 - "Neither as exercising dominion over the heritage but being examples to the flock."

Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and, thereby, born of the Spirit are part of the family of God, and thus referred to as God’s heirs (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3;29;4:7; Titus 3:17; James 2:5; 1Peter 3:7). The responsibility of every minister and every saint is to realize that the people of God - whom they interact with - are joint heirs with Jesus Christ and, therefore, God’s heritage or lot. This awareness should cause us to treat one another with the utmost respect and love. Jesus said that whatever we do to the least of the brethren (family of God) we also do to Him (Matthew 25:40).

We have all been taught directly by God that we are to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The love and the respect that we have been instructed in by the Holy Spirit should result in the deepest honor and appreciation for one another. At the moment that we see each other's shortcomings and faults we should not despise each other but encourage and assist one another with the help that we need.

Be blessed,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org