[Jesus said] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

Devotion based on Revelation 22:12

Differences divide. When people look different from each other, talk differently, act differently, or eat different foods, these all can become reasons that divide. We see this in people. We even see this with entire nations and cultures.

However, differences also divide those who are the same. People of the same family, of the same faith, of the same culture also struggle with anger, resentment, and hard feelings. Even where you could reasonably expect unity, it is often lacking.

Christians struggle with unity. And nothing makes the devil happier than seeing God’s people bicker. Satan delights when Christians fight.

The apostle John in the book of Revelation gives us proper perspective. Jesus is coming. One day, soon, believers of every nation, tribe, people, and language will gather before the Lamb of God (Revelation 7:9). The grudges we hold and the hurts we hang on to simply will not matter when we stand before Jesus.

He will come “with his reward.” This is not something earned, it is something Jesus gives. His reward is all the blessings we receive from the One who loves us and gave himself for us.

And Jesus says that he will “give to each person according to what they have done.” What we do in life matters, this is clear. God desires that his people practice and share the forgiveness that we have received just as generously as it was given to us. Our deeds don’t save us but they do display that God has worked in our hearts.

One day, the risen Lord Jesus will return. That day will be awesome. And in his plan, it will be soon. He will unite all believers before himself. On that day, differences will not divide.

Until that day, seek unity, not division.

Prayer:

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.