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How do you deal with people who do not like you, or want to be around you, or who do not treat you well? What about self-focused people who can't see past themselves to love others, including you? Today we look at an empathy progress scale to learn to see others properly, emotionally, like Jesus sees them. Then we examine the need to be okay with not being liked. The goal isn't to have people treat you better. The goal is for them to find their way in Christ to become better people. The funny thing is, when it is less about you and more about them, you get more joy out of life and have a greater promise of repaired relationships. 

Daily Bible Devotional (Volumes 1 and 2):

Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

II Corinthians 12

Paul shares a powerful vision in which he is caught up to the “third heaven,” experiencing indescribable revelations from God. However, to prevent him from becoming prideful, he receives a thorn in the flesh, a persistent struggle that keeps him humble. He prays for its removal, but God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul embraces his weakness, knowing that through it, Christ’s strength is revealed. He boasts in his hardships—insults, persecutions, and difficulties—because when he is weak, he is strong in Christ. He expresses concern for spiritual weakness in Corinth, fearing they need to repent. Paul desires to correct them in love, urging them to turn from immorality and mistreatment of one another and walk in obedience to Christ.

God's grace is sufficient, even in our struggles. Paul’s thorn in the flesh reminds us that challenges can serve a greater purpose—keeping us humble and dependent on God. Instead of removing Paul’s hardship, God assures him that His power is made perfect in weakness. This challenges us to stop viewing weaknesses as failures and start seeing them as opportunities for Christ’s strength to shine through us. When we face difficulties, we can trust that God is using them for our growth. Like Paul, we should boast in our weaknesses, embracing chances to demonstrate our reliance on God. Lord willing, this will endear us to believers, leading them to respect us if we need to admonish them to refocus on God.

Mighty God, we are grateful that Your grace is always enough. When we face struggles and weaknesses, remind us that Your power sustains us. Help us to trust You in difficult times, filled with hope that You are working for our good. Teach us to embrace our weaknesses, not with frustration, but with faith, knowing that You make us strong. Keep us from pride and self-reliance, and draw us closer to You through every trial. Show us how to love You, love others, and encourage believers to flee sin as a way of proving that we truly trust in You. 

Thought Questions:

-       God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” What does that mean, and is it true in your life?

-       Why is it healthy for you to learn to boast in your weaknesses? What does that mean in terms of faith, and how does it cultivate great peace?

-       Paul feared coming to them and finding brethren in sin, so he expressed that to them honestly. Will you do that with people caught in sin?

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II Corinthians 11

Paul warns the Corinthians about false teachers who preach a different Jesus and deceive them with smooth words. He expresses deep concern for their purity, comparing himself to a loving father betrothing his daughter to a husband. He reminds them that he preaches the true gospel not for personal gain but out of love. Paul contrasts himself with false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness but are actually working for Satan. He humbly defends his ministry by listing his hardships—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, and constant danger—for the sake of Christ. Unlike his opponents, he does not boast in his strength but in his weaknesses, showing that God’s power sustains him. Paul aims to protect the Corinthians from deception and keep them faithful to Christ alone.

False teachers are dangerous and distort the truth about Jesus. Paul reminds us that deception can come in subtle ways, even through those who appear righteous. This challenges us to stay rooted in God’s Word, testing everything against Scripture. Paul’s example also teaches us that following Christ is not about comfort or worldly success but about faithfulness, even through suffering. He endured hardships for the sake of the gospel, showing that true strength comes from relying on God. Instead of boasting about our achievements, we should boast about our weaknesses, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in them. This passage calls us to stay faithful to Christ, discern truth carefully, and trust in God’s strength rather than our own.

Kind Father, thank You for the truth of Your gospel and the strength You give us in weakness. Protect us from deception and false teachings that try to pull us away from Christ. Give us discernment to recognize truth and the courage to stand firm in our faith. Help us to rely on Your power, not our own, knowing that true strength comes from You. When we face hardships, remind us that suffering for Christ is a privilege and that You sustain us in every trial. Keep our hearts faithful to You alone, and may we take joy in Your service.  

Thought Questions:

-       How can you recognize false teachers, and how do you ensure that you are following the genuine gospel of Jesus Christ in your life? 

-       Paul endured incredible amounts of suffering, as well as concern for the churches. Why did he do that, and how can you be more like him?

-       Paul boasts in his weaknesses and sufferings instead of his strengths. What does that mean, and what would it look like for you to do the same?

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II Corinthians 10

Paul defends his authority as an apostle, addressing those who criticize him for being bold in his letters but unimpressive in person. He explains that his confidence comes from God, not human strength. Though he walks in the flesh, he does not wage war as the world does; instead, he uses spiritual weapons to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive to Christ. Paul warns against judging by appearance, reminding the Corinthians that true authority comes from God. He refuses to compare himself with those who boast in themselves, instead boasting only in what the Lord has done through him. Paul emphasizes that his ministry is for building up the church, not tearing it down. He concludes by stating that true approval comes not from self-promotion but from the Lord’s commendation.

The Lord challenges us to rely on His power rather than human strength. Paul reminds us that we do not fight spiritual battles with worldly tactics but with divine weapons that destroy strongholds. This calls us to examine our thoughts and take them captive to Christ, resisting fear, doubt, and pride. In a world that values outward appearance and self-promotion, Paul teaches us to seek God’s approval rather than human recognition. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on the mission God has given us. True strength comes from humility and obedience to Christ. As we trust in Him, we can stand firm against spiritual opposition, build others up in faith, and glorify God in all we do.

All-powerful Lord, thank You for being our strength in every battle. Help us rely on Your divine power instead of our own abilities. Teach us to take every thought captive to Christ, filling our minds with hope and truth. Guard our hearts from seeking approval from others and remind us that true confidence comes from You. Give us the humility to serve and uplift others rather than tearing them down. Help us stand firm in faith, using the spiritual weapons You have given us to overcome challenges. May our lives reflect Your power and bring glory to Your name.

Thought Questions:

-       What does Paul mean when he says you have weapons “divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses”? How do you use them daily? 

-       How do you take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”? What helps you get your mind right so that you follow Him faithfully?

-       Do you sometimes seek human approval before God’s approval? How do you get your focus on His commendation being all that matters?

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II Corinthians 9

Paul continues to focus on generosity and cheerful giving. He encourages the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment to give generously to brethren in need, emphasizing that giving should be done willingly, not reluctantly or under pressure. He reminds them that whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will reap abundantly. God loves a cheerful giver and provides abundantly so that believers can continue doing good works. Paul assures them that God will supply and multiply their resources, increasing the harvest of their righteousness. Their generosity not only meets the needs of others but also brings thanksgiving to God. Through giving, believers glorify God and demonstrate the power of the gospel. Paul ends by praising God for His indescribable gift, the ultimate example of generosity—Jesus Christ.

Generosity should stem from a willing and joyful heart, not from pressure or reluctance. It is a privilege to participate in the “ministry to the saints.” Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver, and when we give, God often provides abundantly so we can continue to bless others. Do we give reluctantly, or do we view it as an opportunity to serve God? Generosity results in thanksgiving to God and a stronger faith. We must trust God with our resources, submitting what we have to Him. As we give, we share God’s grace with others. True generosity is not about the amount but about the heart behind it, eager to help those in need, especially fellow believers.

Benevolent God, thank You for being our provider and for teaching us the joy of generosity. Help us to give with willing and cheerful hearts, not out of obligation but as an act of love and faith. Remind us that all we have comes from You and that You will always supply our needs. May our giving bring glory to You, bless others, and lead to thanksgiving in Your name. Teach us to trust in Your abundant provision, knowing that generosity reflects Your grace. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude as we give joyfully and service Your people in need. 

Thought Questions:

-       Are you a cheerful giver, particularly when Christians are in need? How can you cultivate a heart that is more willing to help generously?

-       Do you believe you reap from God in connection with how much you sow in charity? If so, what benefit is there to being greedy?

-       Does the surpassing grace of God within you and His indescribable gift fill you with thanksgiving? Is charitable giving your way of expressing it?

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II Corinthians 8

The Corinthians are encouraged to follow the Macedonian churches' example, giving generously despite their poverty. Their giving was an act of grace, overflowing from their joy in Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthians that true generosity comes from a willing heart, not obligation. He urges them to complete their commitment to give, just as they excel in faith, love, and knowledge. Paul points to Jesus as the ultimate example of generosity. Though rich, He became poor so that believers might become spiritually rich. He emphasizes that giving should be done according to one’s ability, ensuring fairness among believers. Paul also introduces Titus and other trusted brothers, who will oversee the collection to ensure integrity. He calls the Corinthians to demonstrate their love through action, proving their commitment by giving generously and willingly.

God’s plan is for believers to help fellow saints in need. Paul highlights the Macedonian churches, who, despite their poverty, gave joyfully and sacrificially for their brethren. This challenges us to examine our own attitude toward giving—are we generous only when it’s convenient, or do we desire to help our Christian family? True generosity isn’t about wealth but about willingness. Paul reminds us that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, showing that giving is an act of love. We are called to give freely, not out of obligation, but as an overflow of God’s grace in us. By giving with a sincere heart, we reflect Christ and meet the needs of others, glorifying God through our generosity.

Benevolent Lord, thank You for the grace You have shown us through Jesus, who became poor so that we might become rich in Your love. Teach us likewise to be generous, fueled by love for Jesus and His church. Help us to give sacrificially, trusting that You will provide for our needs. Use us bountifully so that our generosity may reflect Your grace and bring glory to Your name. Fill us with compassion for all others, and use us as vessels of Your love. May we give with sincerity, joy, and love, just as Christ gave Himself for us.

Thought Questions:

-       What motivated the Macedonian brethren to give, even though they had little money? Do those same reasons drive your generosity?

-       What does it mean that Jesus became poor so that we might become rich? Should truly gracious work for others come at a cost to you?

-       Christians proved their love for other saints by collecting funds for their needs. Is that a priority where you worship? Should it be?

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Why are God's people stronger together? What does it mean to be committed to believers, and what does that look like in your life? We teach new converts that their involvement with God's people is their lifeline, but are we demonstrating that years after becoming a Christian?

Daily Bible Devotional (Volumes 1 and 2):

Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Why do we need each other?

1) We grow stronger together (Proverbs 27:17)

2) We carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

3) We reflect the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27)

4) We remind each other of the Truth (Hebrews 3:13)

5) We are more effective in ministry together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

What does it mean to invest in a spiritual community?

1) Choosing Presence over Convenience

2) Giving without Expecting

3) Committing for the Long Haul

4) Prioritizing People over Productivity 

5) Reflecting the Familial Heart of God

How can I practically do better at this?

1) Show up Consistently, not Casually (commit to a year)

2) Join a Small Group or Bible Study (weekday sessions)

3) Serve with Your Gifts (Ask: "Where am I needed?)

4) Build Real Relationships (more than just foyer talk)

5) Pray for Your Church (the culture and mission)

#christianfellowship #faithfulness #realrelationships #stronger together

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II Corinthians 7

Paul encourages the Corinthians to pursue holiness, cleansing themselves from anything that defiles body and spirit, as they live in reverence to God. He expresses his love for them, reminding them that his previous letter, though painful, was written to bring repentance, not harm. Paul rejoices that their sorrow led to repentance, producing a lasting change in their hearts. He contrasts godly sorrow, which leads to salvation without regret, with worldly sorrow, which profits nothing. Paul praises the Christians for their eagerness to make things right, proving their sincere devotion to God. He also shares his joy over Titus’ report, which confirms their obedience and love. Paul ends by expressing his confidence in them, knowing their repentance has strengthened their relationship with both God and him, bringing renewed unity and encouragement.

In honor of God, we must pursue cleansed and holy lives. Paul reminds us that godly sorrow leads to real change, not merely regret. This challenges us to examine our hearts. When we sin, do we seek genuine repentance, turning back to God, or do we simply feel sorry without transformation? Authentic repentance should lead us to action, making things right with God and others. Paul also emphasizes the significance of encouraging one another in faith. Just as the Corinthians' obedience refreshed Titus, we should aim to be a source of encouragement for fellow believers. This passage calls us to live in holiness, embrace accountability, and respond to correction with humility, knowing that repentance brings renewed joy and restored fellowship. 

Compassionate Father, thank You for calling us to holiness and for Your grace that leads us to repentance. Help us to have godly sorrow that brings true change, not just regret. Lead us to turn from sin and walk in obedience, seeking to honor You and to be passionate in our fight against evil. Give us humble hearts to accept correction and the strength to make things right. May we encourage one another in faith, just as the Corinthians refreshed Titus. Fill us with joy as we grow closer to You, knowing that repentance keeps our relationship with You secure. 

Thought Questions:

-       What is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, and how can you ensure that your repentance leads to true transformation?

-       Does true repentance lead you to a longing to avenge the wrong? How is turning from sin a choice to fight that sin fiercely in the future?

-       In what ways can you be a source of encouragement and refreshment to fellow believers, as the Corinthians were to Titus?

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II Corinthians 6

The Corinthians are encouraged not to receive God’s grace in vain but to live faithfully, embracing the time for salvation. Paul describes the hardships he and his fellow workers endure—beatings, imprisonments, difficulties, and sleepless nights—yet they remain steadfast, acting with purity, patience, and sincere love. Though they are treated as impostors, they stay true; though sorrowful, they rejoice; though poor, they enrich many in Christ. Paul then warns the Corinthians against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, reminding them that righteousness and wickedness cannot coexist. As God’s temple, believers must live set apart, avoiding partnerships that compromise their faith. He calls them to holiness, citing God’s promise to dwell among His people. Paul urges them to separate from impurity, encouraging them to fully embrace their identity as God’s children.

We are to live entirely for God and not take His grace for granted. Paul reminds us that following Christ requires endurance through hardships, yet we must remain faithful with purity, patience, and love. This challenges us to examine how we respond to difficulties: do we remain steadfast or waver in unbelief? Paul also warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. This does not necessarily mean avoiding nonbelievers but rather being careful about relationships that could pull us away from Christ. As God’s temple, we must pursue holiness, separating ourselves from sin while shining His light in the world. By embracing our identity as His children, we can walk in obedience, secure and motivated because God is our Father.

Merciful Lord, thank You for Your grace and the call to live for You. Help us endure trials with patience, purity, and love, trusting in Your strength. Guard our hearts against anything that leads us away from You, and grant us wisdom in our relationships so that we may remain faithful to Your truth. We ask for wisdom in choosing our associations carefully. As Your temple, teach us to be holy, setting us apart for Your purpose. Remind us that we are Your children, loved and called to live for Your glory. May our lives honor You and Your Son.

Thought Questions:

-       What does it mean to receive God’s grace in vain, and how can you ensure that you are living faithfully in response to His grace?

-       How does Paul’s example of enduring hardships with patience, purity, and love encourage and motivate you in your own struggles?

-       What does it mean to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, and how can you apply this principle in the relationships you choose in life?

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II Corinthians 5

Earthly bodies resemble temporary tents, but God has prepared an eternal house for the future. While Christians may groan in their current bodies, they hold onto the hope of resurrection and the promise of being clothed in immortality. Paul encourages them to walk by faith, not by sight, knowing that being absent from the body means being present with the Lord. He emphasizes that all believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their lives. Because of this, he urges them to live with purpose, persuading others to follow Christ. He explains that in Jesus, they are a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new has come. Believers serve as ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, calling people to be reconciled to God.

We are challenged to live with an eternal perspective, remembering that our true home is with God. While our earthly bodies are temporary, we have the promise of resurrection in our new life in Christ. This truth should shape how we live daily, walking by faith and seeking to please God rather than being consumed by worldly concerns. We are new creations in Christ, no longer defined by our past. As ambassadors for Jesus, we are called to share the message of reconciliation, inviting others into a restored relationship with God. This passage encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that one day we will stand before Christ and give an account of how we represented Him to the world.

Mighty God, we thank You for making us a new creation in Christ, where the old has passed away, and the new has come. Help us to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in Your eternal promises. Remind us that our true home is with You and that our lives on earth are temporary. Teach us to live with purpose, seeking to please You in all we do. As ambassadors for Christ, grant us the boldness to share the message of reconciliation with others. We will demonstrate the controlling love of Jesus by serving His divine purpose and will today.  

Thought Questions:

-       What does Paul mean when he says you are a “new creation” in Christ, and how should this truth shape the way you live?

-       How do you grow in the instruction to walk by faith, not by sight? How is your walk in Jesus different today than it has been in the past?

-       As ambassadors for Christ, what are some practical ways you share the message of reconciliation with those God places in your life?