Anything a parent could imagine in a perfect child was manifested in the person of Jesus. No sibling could ever live up to that, and maybe Mary and Joseph knew they never would, but we have to wonder what that looked like.

When Paul and Silas were in prison, they had the choice to sit in silence or make a joyful noise. They could have complained or they could have worshipped. They chose to praise God and the Bible says the prison was shaken to its foundation. Praise is a foundation shaker.

This is a woman with pride. As she sat waiting in her lofty tower, aware of her imminent death, she was steadfast in her defiance of Israel and its God to the very end.

It is mind blowing to think that Judas could be a part of this movement, so close to Jesus Himself, seeing all the miracles, all the power, the lives changed, even the feeling in his spirit by walking with the Messiah in person, and yet be able to turn away so abruptly and with such consequence.

People may hurt us, but we need to remember that something is hurting them, and that is what we should be addressing. Our reaction to them should be one of love, patience, and kindness. If we come at them in ways of concern for their well-being rather than in defense of ours, we could much easier break through the wall of protection they have built around themselves and introduce them to Jesus.