. . . observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good . . .

— Deuteronomy 10:13

Think about the many things you may not have wanted to do or liked to do, but you did them anyway because it was for your own good. Growing up, you might have had a long list of undesirable things that your parents asked you to do. And maybe you heard them say, “You’ll be glad you did this.” I ate my vegetables because my mom said they were good for me.

We don’t always want to do what God says is good for us. It can be difficult to engage in some things that God asks us to do, but they are in our best interest. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). We are called to put up with one another and forgive if we have a grievance with someone (Colossians 3:13). We put off the old self and put on the new self to be like the Lord in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). These commands can be really complicated.

God’s Word is more than a list of rules. We believe what God asks of us in his Word. We don’t have to face these complicated teachings on our own. We have the help of the Holy Spirit and the community of God’s people. God’s love and example motivate us to be victorious, even when that can be difficult!

Righteous God, help me always to do what is right, that I may glorify you. May your love motivate me to be victorious. In Jesus, Amen.