Jesus' arrest and trial were entirely unfair and unjust. Despite his innocence, he endured betrayal from one of his closest followers and persecution by both religious and political leaders. In the face of this unjust treatment, Peter responded with violence, but Jesus exemplified meekness and controlled strength. As followers of Christ, we will inevitably face unfair situations where we feel mistreated or persecuted. How we choose to respond in these moments has the power to either reflect or reject God's kingdom.

Jesus' arrest and trial were entirely unfair and unjust. Despite his innocence, he endured betrayal from one of his closest followers and persecution by both religious and political leaders. In the face of this unjust treatment, Peter responded with violence, but Jesus exemplified meekness and controlled strength. As followers of Christ, we will inevitably face unfair situations where we feel mistreated or persecuted. How we choose to respond in these moments has the power to either reflect or reject God's kingdom.

When we face “crossroad” moments in our life we have a choice to either walk in the Spirit (obey the will of God) or to give into the flesh (our human weakness). Walking in the Spirit involves relying on the Holy Spirit (who resides inside of followers of Jesus) and God’s Word. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the difficult reality of going to the cross to take upon Himself the penalty of our sin and the sins of the world. Jesus navigated this crossroad through prayer and by allowing God’s will to supersede His own fleshly desires.

When we face “crossroad” moments in our life we have a choice to either walk in the Spirit (obey the will of God) or to give into the flesh (our human weakness). Walking in the Spirit involves relying on the Holy Spirit (who resides inside of followers of Jesus) and God’s Word. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the difficult reality of going to the cross to take upon Himself the penalty of our sin and the sins of the world. Jesus navigated this crossroad through prayer and by allowing God’s will to supersede His own fleshly desires.

One major crossroad in all of our lives comes when we experience betrayal and being disappointed by others. Someone famously noted, "The worst kind of hurt is betrayal because it means that someone was willing to hurt you just to make themselves better. "Sadly, it's likely that throughout our lives, we will all experience some form of betrayal and disappointment.

One major crossroad in all of our lives comes when we experience betrayal and being disappointed by others. Someone famously noted, "The worst kind of hurt is betrayal because it means that someone was willing to hurt you just to make themselves better. "Sadly, it's likely that throughout our lives, we will all experience some form of betrayal and disappointment.

On the journey to new life in Christ, we will all come to cross roads in our faith. One major crossroad is the choice to serve and do good for others, especially those whom we perceive don’t deserve it. Jesus calls His disciples to love everyone, even their enemies, which is incredibly hard to do. Jesus understands what this is like and demonstrated it Himself at the “Last Supper”by washing the feet of His disciples, all of whom He knew would soon abandon Him, and that one would betray Him unto death.

In our journey of faith, we will all face crossroads. One comes when God doesn't do things the way we want or expect. How we respond to disappointment makes all the difference. Mary and Martha, Jesus’ close friends, faced a crossroads in John 11. Their brother Lazarus was dying, so they called on Jesus to heal him. Only Jesus didn’t come in time, and Lazarus died. Obviously distraught and disappointed, they chose to respond with faith. Instead of turning away from God, they reaffirmed their trust in Him.

In our journey of faith, we will all face crossroads. One comes when God doesn't do things the way we want or expect. How we respond to disappointment makes all the difference. Mary and Martha, Jesus’ close friends, faced a crossroads in John 11. Their brother Lazarus was dying, so they called on Jesus to heal him. Only Jesus didn’t come in time, and Lazarus died. Obviously distraught and disappointed, they chose to respond with faith. Instead of turning away from God, they reaffirmed their trust in Him.

God is holy, righteous, good, and just. His holiness is powerfully revealed in His heart of forgiveness as he offers forgiveness to sinful humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus. In response, we must practice forgiveness when others sin against us. While extremely difficult and counter intuitive, forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of faith and worship to God. As we demonstrate forgiveness to others, we embody God’s love and holiness on the earth for others to experience.