What was the significance of Jesus instructing His disciples to love? By observing the multitude of loving actions demonstrated by Jesus in the events preceding His crucifixion, we gain insight into the genuine essence of love. 

Many times, forgiving those who have wronged us proves to be a challenging, if not insurmountable task, leading us to label them as enemies. But did Jesus approach his adversaries in the same manner? Did his sacrifice on the cross extend to even those who opposed him?

Can we understand the kind of love Jesus commanded us to have? Jesus tells us to love each other the way He loves us. The world will know we are His disciples by the way we love each other, and our example is Jesus's willingness to die on the cross for our sins. 

As you read through the book of Ester you may notice that God is never mentioned, this has even caused debate about the validity of the book's inclusion in the Bible. So why is it included? 

We often find ourselves in opposition to mainstream culture when we live our lives as God designed, putting us in positions of discomfort and even suffering as we bring the gospel to every corner of our world. In the face of opposition, are you willing to stand in God's truth and live differently?

Through the lens of Esther's story, we read invaluable lessons on the true essence of honor. Esther's story teaches us that honor is not something we can gain through self-promotion or ambition but rather through service and respect for others.

As we navigate our lives, we should ask ourselves: How can I serve and honor others? 

Morticia has discovered the impending edict slating the destruction of the Jewish people and challenges Ester to plead for their salvation before the king. Ester knows that going before the king could mean certain death, but she chooses to lay her life aside for her people. 

It's important to cultivate emotional control, yet certain feelings often deemed undesirable, like anger, are ones we aim to suppress. Exploring the book of Esther, we encounter instances where unchecked anger results in tragedy. However, amidst these narratives, there's a revealing portrayal of anger as a catalyst for rescue, shedding light on its potential for positive transformation.

When faced with the death of her people, Ester has to make a choice to either risk her own life or stand by as the Babylonian follow the command to murder the Jews, her people. Ester learns that she is placed exactly where she needs to be, as God planned to use her for just a time like this.

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Prayer can be foreign to us, and often, when we pray, it can feel like we are talking ourselves. It can be even more challenging when we have no idea how to approach God with our prayers. We can take heart that Jesus teaches His disciples and us how to pray.