Category: Devotionals

When Love Isn’t Returned

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn balancing faith, Belonging, Christian Living, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith Tensions, GraceLeave a comment

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Most hurts in life don’t come from dramatic betrayals.

They come from the little things.

A friend forgets to invite you.
Someone promises to call but never does.
Your text goes unanswered.
You feel overlooked in a meeting.
Someone walks right past you without saying hello.
You’re not included in the conversation.
You hear about a gathering that everyone attended—except you.

None of these moments are life-shattering on their own, but together they can quietly wound our hearts. Before long, disappointment becomes resentment, and resentment begins to rob us of joy.

Scripture reminds us:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”— Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Guarding our hearts is not about loving less. It is about loving well. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5 to “walk in the way of love.” Sometimes the greatest threat to that walk is not a major betrayal but the accumulation of small offenses that quietly tempt us toward bitterness.

Guarding our hearts doesn’t mean building walls around them or refusing to love others. Rather, it means protecting our hearts from becoming hardened by offense, resentment, or cynicism. We cannot always control how others treat us, but with God’s grace, we can choose how we respond. If we are to love like Christ, we must guard our hearts so that disappointment never takes root as resentment.

So, how do we respond when others fail to love us well?

John Wesley described Christian perfection as perfect love—not perfection in performance, but perfection in motive. A heart transformed by God’s love responds differently, even when others disappoint us.

1. Choose Curiosity Before Conclusions

Our first reaction is often to assume the worst.

“They don’t care.”

“They ignored me on purpose.”

“They think I’m not good enough.”

Before assuming someone’s behavior is a statement about your worth, remember that it often reflects what is happening inside of them. Stress, grief, insecurity, exhaustion, fear, or distraction can affect how people respond to others. While their actions may impact us, they are often shaped by circumstances we cannot see.

But we rarely know the whole story.

This doesn’t mean we ignore hurtful behavior or excuse unkindness. It simply means we resist the temptation to immediately assume malicious intent. Perfect love pauses long enough to ask, “Is there another explanation?” before reaching a conclusion.

Love chooses curiosity before condemnation. It gives others the grace we hope they would extend to us when we are at our worst.

2. Refuse to Keep Score

It’s easy to start keeping mental records.

“That’s the third time they’ve done this.”

“I invited them, but they never invite me.”

“I’m always the one putting myself out there.”

The longer we keep score, the harder it becomes to love freely.

Scripture reminds us that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Rather than keeping a mental scorecard, love refuses to let resentment take root. We cannot control another person’s choices, but we can choose whether bitterness will define our own heart.

Perfect love doesn’t keep a scorecard; it keeps the heart open to God’s transforming grace.

3. Remember Whose Approval Matters Most

When we feel overlooked by people, it’s tempting to question our worth.

But our value has never depended on someone’s invitation, compliment, or attention.

Before anyone else notices us, God already has.

Before anyone includes us, Christ has already welcomed us.

We are dearly loved children of God (Ephesians 5:1).

Living from that identity frees us from constantly seeking validation from others.

4. Extend the Grace You Hope to Receive

If we’re honest, we’ve all been the person who forgot to return a call.

We’ve missed birthdays.

We’ve overlooked someone without meaning to.

We’ve promised something and then become distracted by life.

Remembering our own imperfections makes it easier to respond with compassion instead of offense.

Perfect Love in the Everyday

Christian perfection is often tested not in life’s greatest trials, but in the daily hurts and ordinary relationships that shape our hearts.

Will I assume the best?
Will I forgive quickly?
Will I choose peace over offense?
Will I continue to love even when love isn’t perfectly returned?

Most of us won’t face persecution today.

But almost all of us will experience a small disappointment.

Perhaps that’s where perfect love grows—not in extraordinary moments, but in the quiet, everyday decision to refuse offense, extend grace, and continue loving anyway.

Reflection

Ask yourself today:

  • Has a small hurt quietly become a root of bitterness in my heart?
  • Have I assumed motives I cannot know?
  • Is there someone I need to forgive—or simply extend grace to?
  • How can I reflect Christ’s love, even if it isn’t returned?

The world teaches us to mirror the behavior of others.

Jesus calls us to mirror Him.

That is the heart of Christian perfection—not waiting for others to love us well, but allowing God’s perfect love to shape our hearts so that we respond as Christ would, regardless of how we are treated.

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can…as long as ever you can.” — John Wesley

Next in the series: When Love Requires Wisdom: When Should We Believe What Someone’s Behavior Is Telling Us?

Featured Christian Perfection=Love

Three Ways to Love Like God: A Picture of Christian Perfection

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn balancing faith, Being Present, Christian Living, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith Tensions, RelationshipsLeave a comment

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)

One of the greatest contradictions in our culture is that we often love things and use people rather than love people and use things. Imagine how different our families, churches, and communities would be if we used everything God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, resources, and possessions—to love people well.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:1–2 that we are God’s dearly loved children and are called to walk in the way of love. This is more than an invitation to be kind; it is a call to become like Christ.

John Wesley described this lifelong journey as Christian perfection or perfect love. He did not mean that believers become flawless or incapable of making mistakes. Rather, Christian perfection is a heart fully surrendered to God, where love for God and love for others become the controlling motive behind our thoughts, words, and actions. As we grow in grace, love increasingly shapes who we are.

What does that kind of love look like in everyday life?

1. Keep Our Word

God is completely trustworthy. Throughout Scripture, He faithfully fulfills every promise He makes. His character never changes.

When we keep our commitments, follow through on our promises, and speak truthfully, we reflect God’s faithfulness. People experience God’s love when they know our words can be trusted.

2. Keep Time

Our calendars often reveal what we value most. Love is often spelled T-I-M-E.

Jesus was never too busy for people. He stopped for the hurting, listened to those others ignored, and welcomed those who sought Him. He also invites us into His presence, saying, “Come to me…and I will give you rest“ (Matthew 11:28).

One of the greatest expressions of love is simply being present. When we intentionally make time for others, we demonstrate that they matter to God—and to us.

3. Keep Short Accounts

Love does not cling to offenses.

God’s forgiveness is complete. When we confess our sins, He removes them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Because we have received such extravagant grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others.

Keeping short accounts means choosing forgiveness over resentment and reconciliation over revenge. It doesn’t ignore pain or excuse wrongdoing, but it refuses to let bitterness take root.

Perfect Love in Everyday Life

Christian perfection is not about never failing; it is about allowing God’s love to increasingly transform our hearts. Every day we have opportunities to become more like Christ—to keep our word, make time for people, and forgive quickly.

Perhaps the simplest definition of Christian perfection is this: to love as Christ loves.

As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself:

  • Am I becoming more faithful in my word?
  • Does my calendar reflect love for God and others?
  • Is there someone I need to forgive?

May our lives become a fragrant offering to God as we walk in love, following the example of Christ. After all, the goal of the Christian life is not merely knowing more about Jesus, but loving more like Him.

Next in the Series: We’ve explored what it means to love like God. But what happens when others don’t love us well? Join me as we discover how to respond to everyday disappointments with grace, guard our hearts from bitterness, and continue walking in the way of love.

A Gift That Changes Everything: Love, Freedom, and Hope

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Belonging, Biblical Reflections, Decision Making, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith TensionsLeave a comment

From Manger to Cross: The Story That Changes Everything

As we pause under the glow of twinkling lights, hum along to familiar carols, gather with people we love, and breathe in the beauty of it all, we remember that Christmas isn’t only a celebration of a birth — it’s the opening chapter of the greatest redemption story ever told, a story that stretches beyond Bethlehem, through the cross, and into the hope of the empty tomb.

And in the midst of the celebration, I hope you find even one quiet moment to remember this:
You are deeply, immeasurably loved by God.
A God who entered our world not as a distant deity, but as a baby — 100% human, yet 100% God — the very mystery upon which our faith rests. He felt hunger and exhaustion, joy and betrayal, laughter and tears. He walked where we walk, lived as we live — but remained without sin — so that His death could pay the price ours never could.

This is Christmas. This is Easter. This is love.

God’s Love at the Center

At the heart of the Christian story is this truth: God’s love is universal and unconditional. It is not reserved for a select few, nor does it depend on our perfection. God loves us as we are — broken, searching, and in need of grace.

This love is beautifully expressed in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Notice the words “the world” and “whoever believes” — they remind us that God’s love reaches every person, everywhere. The promise of eternal life isn’t earned; it’s received through faith. All that is needed is to believe — to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. There are no boundaries, no exclusions, only an open invitation to respond.

And here’s something remarkable: God’s love never coerces. Love, by its very nature, invites rather than forces. God gives us the freedom to choose Him. He opens the door, but we decide whether to walk through it. This freedom is a gift — a reflection of His respect for us and His desire for a genuine relationship, not one built on obligation.

Romans 5:8 echoes this truth:
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

From Birth to Cross: The Journey of Redemption

The Incarnation — God the Son in the person of Jesus Christ — is the foundation of salvation. When Jesus entered our world as a baby, He didn’t come as a distant deity or an untouchable figure. He came as one of us, fully human, experiencing all that we’ve experienced: hunger, fatigue, joy, sorrow, betrayal, etc. This was not a symbolic gesture; it was a deliberate act of love. By stepping into our humanity, Jesus identified with our struggles and lived the life we could not live — perfectly sinless. He experienced the sensations without becoming sinful.

But the manger was never the final destination. The cradle leads to the cross. Christmas and Easter are inseparably linked because the birth of Christ set the stage for His ultimate mission: to die for our sins and rise again. Without Easter, Christmas would be incomplete. The joy of His birth finds its fulfillment in the victory of His resurrection.

The Incarnation shows us that God’s plan was personal and costly. He didn’t send an angel or a message; He came Himself. And by doing so, He made salvation possible — bridging the gap between a holy God and a broken humanity.

As we move beyond the Christmas season and look toward Easter, let’s remember this truth: The gift of the manger becomes the hope of the empty tomb. The story begins with God with us and ends with God for us — offering forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.

Key Doctrines Explained Simply

The story of redemption is rich with meaning, and three words help us understand what Christ accomplished for us: Justification, Propitiation, and Reconciliation. These theological terms describe the heart of God’s love and the freedom He offers.

Justification: Declared Righteous

Justification means that through faith in Jesus, we are declared righteous before God. It’s not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done. His perfect life and sacrificial death remove the guilt of sin.
Freedom link: We are no longer bound by condemnation. We stand forgiven and accepted — free to live without fear of judgment.

Propitiation: The Perfect Sacrifice

Propitiation means that Jesus’ death satisfied God’s justice and removed His wrath against sin. This wasn’t about appeasing an angry God; it was about a holy God providing the solution Himself.

Love link: God didn’t demand payment from us — He paid it Himself through Christ. This is love in its purest form: costly, sacrificial, and complete.

Reconciliation: Restored Relationship

Reconciliation means that the barrier between God and humanity has been removed. Through Jesus, we are invited back into relationship with Him.

Choice link: God opens the door wide, but He never forces us through it. Love always invites, never coerces. The gift is offered freely — and we are free to respond.

These truths remind us that salvation is not just a theological concept; it’s a personal reality. God’s love makes a way, and His grace gives us freedom.

The Gift That Invites Response

God’s gift of salvation is offered freely — no strings attached, no prerequisites, no earning required. It is grace in its purest form. But here’s the truth about love: it always invites a response. Love never forces, never manipulates. God opens His arms wide, yet He leaves the choice to us.

This is the beauty of freedom in Christ. We are not robots programmed to obey; we are people created to love and choose. The question is: How will we respond to this gift?

Take a moment to reflect:

  • What does freedom in Christ mean for me today?
  • Does it mean living without fear of condemnation?
  • Does it mean embracing forgiveness and letting go of guilt?
  • Does it mean walking in hope, even when life feels uncertain?

Freedom in Christ is not just a theological concept — it’s a daily reality. It shapes how we live, how we love, and how we face tomorrow. The gift is yours. The choice is yours. Will you receive it?

Looking Ahead: Living in the Light of Easter

The story that began in a manger does not end at the cross. It bursts forth in the empty tomb — the ultimate victory over sin and death. Easter reminds us that the hope of resurrection is not just for Jesus; it’s for all who believe. Because He lives, we have the promise of eternal life. This is the anchor for our faith and the reason we can face tomorrow with confidence.

But this hope is not only about the future; it transforms how we live today. Freedom in Christ means we are no longer slaves to fear, guilt, or condemnation. It means we can walk in grace, knowing we are loved and forgiven. And it calls us to live daily in gratitude — to let every choice, every word, and every act reflect the joy of redemption.

So as we move toward Easter, let’s live as people of hope. Let’s embrace the freedom Christ has given us and share His love with a world that desperately needs it. The gift has been given. The victory is secure.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the NIV 10th Anniversary Study Bible.

Embracing Gratitude and Rest This Holiday Season

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Christian Living, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith Tensions, Grace and Ground Series, Health living, HolidayLeave a comment

The holidays often bring joy—but let’s be honest, they can also bring stress. Families travel from near and far, everyone arrives with expectations and stories to share, and behind the scenes, there’s a whirlwind of preparation: cleaning the house, cooking elaborate meals, packing up kids, and navigating travel plans. By the time the big day arrives, many of us are running on empty—physically and mentally drained. Patience wears thin, kids get cranky, and the pressure to make everything perfect looms large.

But here’s the truth: gratitude doesn’t require perfection—it thrives in presence.

And presence is hard to cultivate when we’re exhausted. That’s why, alongside gratitude, we need rest—not just sleep, but the seven kinds of rest that restore every part of who we are.

The 7 Types of Rest—and How to Practice Them This Season

Physical Rest

Holiday hosting can leave us physically exhausted from cooking, cleaning, and preparing.
Tip: Schedule downtime after gatherings. Take a brisk walk in the crisp air or curl up with a cozy blanket for a short nap.
Tip 2: When possible, invite younger family members to help with prep and cleanup. It lightens the load and teaches them the value of shared responsibility.

Mental Rest

The holidays often bring racing thoughts—menu planning, timelines, and gift lists.
Tip: Create a “brain dump” journal—write down tasks so your mind can relax. Try five minutes of quiet breathing before bed.

Emotional Rest

Holidays can stir emotions—joy, nostalgia, even stress.
Tip: Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Share openly with someone you trust—especially if it helps release negative emotions (choose someone who won’t fan the negativity). Or write a gratitude letter to someone who impacted your year.

Social Rest

After get-togethers, it’s not uncommon to feel drained despite being surrounded by loved ones.
Tip: Balance social time with solitude. Say yes to what energizes you and no to what overwhelms you.

Tip 2:If you need a breather, take a bathroom break.

Sensory Rest

Bright lights, music, and chatter can be overwhelming.
Tip: Create a calm corner—dim the lights, silence notifications, and savor a cup of tea in peace.

Creative Rest

Decorating can feel like a chore when the pressure to make everything picture-perfect takes over.
Tip 1: Visit a park, listen to music, or enjoy holiday lights without rushing. Let beauty inspire you.
Tip 2: Having your home decorated can help spark holiday spirit, but if it adds stress, give yourself permission to downsize your decorating—or skip it altogether. Rest is more important than perfection.

Spiritual Rest

In the rush, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning of the season.
Tip: Reflect on what matters most—faith, purpose, or values. Try a short meditation or prayer before the day begins.

Moving Into the Holidays with Intention

This season, let’s not just survive the holidays—let’s savor them. Count your blessings daily, but also schedule rest like you schedule parties. When we honor both gratitude and rest, we create space for joy, connection, and peace. And remember, rest isn’t just for you—invite others, especially the younger generation, to share the work and the joy. It builds community and teaches life lessons that last beyond the holidays.

Part of the Grace & Ground: Rooted in Worth Series

This post is one chapter in our journey to live with intention, embrace grace, and stay grounded in what truly matters. Explore the full series on the 7 Types of Rest and discover practical ways to nurture your body, mind, and soul.

Rooted in Wonder: The Gift of Creative Rest

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Christian Living, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Grace and Ground Series, Rooted in Worth, Self-CareLeave a comment

Ever Thought Daydreaming Was Laziness? Think Again.

Ever caught yourself staring into a campfire or enjoying a sunset and thought, “I’m wasting time”? Science—and Scripture—say otherwise. Those quiet, seemingly idle moments are not wasted; they’re powerful. Your brain might actually be at its most productive best, building curiosity, problem-solving skills, and higher-order thinking.

This is what experts call creative rest, and it’s far from laziness—it’s a God-designed blessing that fuels innovation and inspiration.

What Is Creative Rest?

Creative rest is the intentional pause that allows your mind to reconnect with beauty, wonder, and inspiration. It’s not about doing nothing; it’s about creating space for your imagination to breathe. Unlike mental rest, which focuses on reducing cognitive overload, it gives your brain a break from processing information. Creative rest invites you to engage with environments and experiences that spark curiosity and joy.

Key Difference:

  • Mental Rest: Clears mental clutter, often through silence, meditation, or short breaks.
  • Creative Rest: Stimulates imagination by exposing you to beauty, nature, art, or new perspectives.

Why Creative Rest Matters

“Immersion in natural settings
improves creative reasoning
by up to 50%”

(Atchley et al., 2012)

Research backs up the power of creative rest:

  • Creative individuals are more associative and engaged with their idle thoughts, which means downtime can lead to innovative ideas (Fink et al., 2024).
  • Immersion in natural settings improves creative reasoning by up to 50%, showing that disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature is a proven creativity booster (Atchley et al., 2012).

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith explains:

“This type of rest is especially important for anyone who must solve problems or brainstorm new ideas. Creative rest reawakens the awe and wonder inside each of us … Allowing yourself to take in the beauty of the outdoors — even if it’s at a local park or in your backyard — provides you with creative rest.” (Dalton-Smith, n.d.)

Practical Tips to Enhance Creative Rest

  1. Step Outside Daily
    Take a walk in a park, sit in your backyard, or simply gaze at the sky. Nature restores your sense of wonder.
  2. Curate Beauty Indoors
    Surround yourself with art, music, or even photographs that inspire you. Visual stimulation can spark fresh ideas.
  3. Schedule “Idle Time”
    Block out time for daydreaming. Let your mind wander without guilt—this is where associative thinking thrives.
  4. Disconnect to Reconnect
    Turn off notifications and spend time away from screens. Silence and simplicity create mental space for creativity.
  5. Engage in Play
    Try a hobby that feels fun and non-productive—painting, gardening, or playing an instrument. Play fuels imagination.

A Personal Reflection

The next time I start down that path of self-negativity for absently staring into the campfire or enjoying the beauty of a sunset, I’ll remind myself that my brain is actually working very hard while I enjoy the break. What I once labeled as “laziness” is, in fact, a divine gift—a moment where creativity is quietly taking root.

References

Atchley, R. A., Strayer, D. L., & Atchley, P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: Improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PLOS ONE, 7(12), e51474. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051474

Dalton-Smith, S. (n.d.). Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. FaithWords.

Fink, A., Rominger, C., Benedek, M., & Papousek, I. (2024). Creative minds at rest: Creative individuals are more associative and engaged with their idle thoughts. Creativity Research Journal, 36(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2023.2171234

Arrogance vs. Confidence: Proposing Truth or Imposing Truth

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn balancing faith, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Communication, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, LoveLeave a comment

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” — Philippians 2:3–4.

A reminder as we consider how to speak truth with both courage and compassion.

Introduction

Not long ago, I found myself in a social media conversation that left me unsettled. The debate wasn’t hostile, but it raised questions I couldn’t ignore:

  • What is the difference between arrogance and confidence?
  • How do we share truth in ways that invite rather than impose?

These questions extend far beyond a single online discussion. They explore how Christians engage with a hurting world, how leaders convey conviction, and how we embody both courage and compassion in our witness.

Arrogance vs. Confidence

At first glance, arrogance and confidence might look similar. Both involve speaking strongly, standing firmly, and refusing to shrink back. But the roots are different:

  • Arrogance springs from pride, assuming authority over others and dismissing other voices.
  • Confidence is grounded in humility, anchored in truth, and willing to listen even while speaking firmly.

Jesus Himself modeled this beautifully. When the teachers of the law and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Him—trying to trap Him—He did not react with arrogance or hostility. Instead, in quiet confidence, Jesus called out the leaders who were misusing their authority while simultaneously offering compassion to the woman. His words, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11), combined justice and mercy, exposing hypocrisy in leaders while extending mercy to the hurting, showing confident truth tempered by love.

Confidence allows truth to shine without needing to dominate, while arrogance seeks to control, condemn, or elevate oneself.

Loud and Quiet Voices

There are times when truth must be spoken loudly and without apology. Peter at Pentecost boldly proclaimed repentance, and three thousand people came to faith (Acts 2). The prophets roared with urgency when God’s people wandered far from Him, calling them back to faithfulness (Isaiah 1:4; Jeremiah 7:13; Hosea 6:1).

But there are also times when God speaks in whispers. Elijah, fresh from calling down fire from heaven, discovered that the Lord was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12). That whisper reminded him that God’s presence does not always thunder.

The Spirit equips some of us to roar and others to whisper. Both matter. Both are faithful. Perhaps the difference between roaring and whispering is grounded in the context of the situation and the people being addressed?

Imposing vs. Proposing

This is where arrogance and confidence intersect with method. Imposing truth demands agreement. It insists that others not only hear but also conform. Imposing is about lifting self. Proposing truth, on the other hand, offers truth in love—allowing the Spirit to convict, persuade, and transform. Proposing is about lifting Christ.

Not all pastors, faith leaders, or followers are called to the same methods—some preach loudly, others shepherd quietly. To impose one method as the only faithful way risks arrogance and reflects insecurity. To propose truth with conviction, while leaving room for God’s Spirit to work, reflects confidence.

The Body of Christ: Different Gifts, Same Mission

Paul reminds us that the body of Christ is made of many members with different gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Peter was bold and outspoken, John tender and relational, Thomas questioning, and Paul reasoning with culture. Each served the same Lord, but their methods varied. Each had the same mission- bring people to a life-changing decision- but the way the mission was acted upon varied based on the gifts and personality of the messenger and the context of when, where, and to whom it was delivered.

In the same way, God still calls His people to different expressions of faithfulness. Some will stand in pulpits or speak publicly. Others will sit quietly beside the grieving or pray fervently behind closed doors. Both proclaim Christ—one through fire, the other through whisper.

Spirit-Led Self-Reflection

The world doesn’t need more arrogance disguised as zeal. It needs confident believers who can proclaim truth with humility, wisdom, and compassion.

That begins with self-reflection and reliance on the clear guidance of the Holy Spirit. When I find myself eager to speak “truth” or impose my “righteous views,” I often discover that impulse has more to do with me—my pride, my frustration, my desire to be heard—than with God’s mission. In contrast, when I find myself reluctant to act, I’ve learned that it is often the Spirit’s gentle leading.

God created us with emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts that work together to help us know ourselves more deeply. When we pay attention to those internal signals, we become more attuned to the Spirit’s voice. That self-awareness helps us recognize whether we are acting out of arrogance or confidence, from a place of self or as an outworking of the Spirit.

Too often, people speak “truth” in arrogance and impose their convictions on others in the name of Jesus. But when that happens, they miss important biblical messages—messages that balance truth and love. Paul reminds us that without love, even the boldest truth becomes just “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Scripture cautions against arrogance in many ways:

  • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
  • “Knowledge puffs up while love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).
  • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Self-reflection, guided by the Spirit, helps us resist arrogance and embrace humility so that truth can be spoken in love.

Conclusion

Confidence in Christ is not about silencing ourselves, nor is it about shouting the loudest. It’s about discerning when to speak and when to listen, when to roar like Peter and when to whisper like Elijah. It’s about speaking the truth in love, not using truth as a weapon to wound.

May we be people who:

  • Speak with confidence, not arrogance.
  • Share truth by proposing, not imposing.
  • Practice self-reflection, allowing the Spirit to expose when our zeal is about us rather than Christ.
  • Trust the Spirit to work through both whispers and roars, fire and gentle breeze.

Because in the end, whether through loud preaching or quiet presence, the goal is the same: that every word and action would point people to Jesus with both courage and compassion.

Note: All Scripture quotations in this blog are taken from The NIV Study Bible (10th Anniversary ed.; Zondervan, 2000), unless otherwise indicated.

References

Zondervan. (2000). The NIV Study Bible (10th Anniversary ed.). Zondervan.

Embracing Truth and Love

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn balancing faith, Belonging, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith Tensions, Love, Relationships, Repairer of Broken WallsLeave a comment

As we reflect on the past couple of weeks, Tony Evans reminds us in Kingdom Race Theology that God’s kingdom is not just about fixing human-made divisions, but about Christ-centered reconciliation (Evans, 2022). In Ephesians 2:19–22, Paul writes that in Christ we are “no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people.” The foundation of the church isn’t built on cultural identity, social position, or political identity—it’s built on Christ, the cornerstone who joins us together as one dwelling place for God.

That truth feels especially urgent at the moment. We’re living in a time when fear, anger, and suspicion run high, and the fractures in our culture keep widening. It’s easy to sort people into camps or to see enemies instead of neighbors. Critical voices often frame life as a battle of groups against groups, but the Bible reminds us that the real enemy is sin itself. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Colossians 1:21–22 reminds us that we were once alienated from God, but through Christ we’ve been reconciled and made holy. And that reconciliation doesn’t just restore our relationship with God—it also calls us to be reconciled with one another.

Evans challenges us to live as “new creations” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16–19; Evans, 2022). That means we don’t reduce people to categories or labels, but see them through the lens of Christ’s redemption. For those of us who follow Jesus—and especially for Christians working in broken systems—this is more than theory. It’s a calling to be different, to live as people of peace in a world that seems to be tearing itself apart.

And here’s the hard part: living this out means holding truth and love together. Truth without love can cut deeply and divide even further. Love without truth can blur lines and leave people lost and stuck in patterns of sin. Jesus embodied both perfectly—He never compromised truth, yet He consistently met people with compassion. The story of the woman caught in adultery is a powerful example of how Jesus blended truth and love (John 8:2-11). In that moment, Jesus called out the hypocrisy of the accusers. Without excusing the woman’s sin, Jesus boldly confronted the hypocrisy of the crowd, causing those in the crowd to lay down their stones and walk away. Then turned to the woman with compassion, saying, “Then neither do I condemn you, . . . Go now and leave your life of sin.” That’s the balance we need when the voices around us are loud, sharp, and sometimes violent.

So maybe the real question for us isn’t just about structures or even politics. Maybe it’s about how we choose to respond when everything around us feels unstable. Do you tend to lean on truth over love or love over truth? Do you need to strive for a more balanced response? Where is God calling you to speak truth in love this week? To anchor yourself in Christ when the ground around us feels shaky?

Closing Prayer
Lord, in a world filled with fear, division, and uncertainty, anchor us in Your truth and surround us with Your love. Teach us to see our neighbors not as enemies but as fellow image-bearers in need of Your grace. Give us courage to speak truth, humility to listen well, and compassion to carry Your love in ways that bring transformation. May Christ remain our cornerstone. Amen.

References

Zondervan. (1995). The NIV study Bible (K. Barker, Ed.; Anniversary ed.). (Original work published 1978)

Evans, T. (2022). Kingdom race theology: God’s answer to our racial crisis. Moody Press

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

Truth and Love Balanced

On By Broken Walls Crushed SidewalksIn Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Decision Making, Devotionals, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Relationships, Repairer of Broken Walls, Uncategorized

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