Most of us probably think that we haven't lost anything by choosing to be a Christian. Most of all Paul has lost his freedom, and lost it more than once as he was imprisoned more than once. He had been beaten and run out of town more than once. For most of us, this is not an issue. Yes, some wi

Paul connects truthful speech with belonging to one another. A lie does more than protect an image; it weakens the shared ground on which trust rests. In a household, workplace, or friendship, honesty may begin with a small admission we have delayed. We forgot, we cannot meet the promise, we need h

Speaking truth in love holds together two things we often separate. Truth without love can humiliate; apparent kindness without truth can leave a painful pattern untouched. Growth into Christ invites a better conversation. We can describe what happened without guessing motives, explain its effect w

Most of us are familiar with Psalm 22 even though we may be less familiar with this portion of the psalm. This is the psalm that Jesus quoted while hanging on the cross. It contains phrases that describe various elements of the crucifixion. However, this psalm is important in the parts that were no

James traces good gifts to the Father whose character does not shift like a shadow. People are gifts we receive, but they are not possessions we can demand remain exactly as we want them. Gratitude for a friend or family member can deepen into attention: learning what burdens them now, noticing the

Today we celebrate all who have died. In Mexico, this is called the Day of the Dead where people bring pictures of their loved ones as well as their loved ones' favorite foods and take them to the cemetery where they picnic at their graves. Many have other ways of remembering their beloved dead

The disciples hear Jesus identify Himself in the midst of fear. His presence changes that encounter, but their arrival at land is not a timetable for every crisis we face. When someone is frightened, reassurance does not always make fear disappear at once. We can remain nearby, ask what would help,

We are all intended to be saints. This is God's plan for us. If you don't think you're destined for sainthood, then you don't want to get to heaven! After all, all those who have died in God's grace are saints. We sometime think that only those who are called "saints" li

Paul refuses to make himself the center of the message. Serving for Jesus' sake gives us a way to care without collecting admiration. In a relationship, help can become controlling when we expect gratitude, agreement, or access to every decision in return. The person receiving care remains a pe

Paul doesn't care how the Good News is proclaimed or who proclaims it as long as people hear about Jesus. It didn't matter if someone was trying to be a big deal or not. Paul wanted everyone to get the message. He is also aware that he may not get out of prison to preach again. He is realis

Jesus speaks of a place prepared with Him. His promise of belonging can steady us when rejection makes us desperate for another person's approval. We can want reconciliation without bargaining away honesty or accepting mistreatment to keep a place in someone's life. Christ's welcome als

The introduction of Paul's letter to the Philippians echoes many of the same sentiments as in his letter to the Ephesians. He is praying for them to stay firm in their beliefs and to grow in knowledge and love so that they will be filled with the fruits of righteousness when they die. We come t