Tag Archives: Exhortation

After the Storm As we blink and squint in the light that emerges after a storm, we marvel that the sun was there all along and we just couldn’t see it. The same is true during times of difficulty. When … Continue reading →

Patient Endurance In theory, it’s easy to provide answers to difficult faith questions. But when we face real trials, everything changes. We gain a new perspective on the Bible passages we’ve memorized; the Christian maxims we’ve passed on to others … Continue reading →

Sage Advice Proverbs is full of sage advice, and some examples deserve special attention. No words could better describe the concept expressed here: “Better a poor person walking in integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is … Continue reading →

Forgiven and Forgiving Idioms are often unhelpful because their overuse has robbed them of meaning. But the idiom “putting up walls” has a twist in Proverbs: “A brother who is offended is worse than a city of strength, and quarrels … Continue reading →

Faithful Decision-Making “I asked God, and He didn’t answer me.” When I hear people say this, I’m often tempted to reply, “Haven’t you read the prophets?” Because sometimes what people are really saying is, “I asked God to do something … Continue reading →

Constructing Lives by the Law Dispensing good, helpful advice gets the benevolent juices flowing. As easy as it is to give advice, though, it often hits me with the irony of a cartoon anvil when I end up tripping over … Continue reading →

Self-Evident Hope “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all impiety and unrighteousness of people, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what can be known about God is evident among them, for God made it clear … Continue reading →

The Gospel for Barbarians and Fools It’s dangerous when we feel entitled. We may come to believe our communities are righteous while all those outside are not. This can even take place inside our faith communities—popularity or various achievements can … Continue reading →

Relationship Will Change Us Although God has granted us complete access to Him through Christ, we struggle at times to live this reality (John 17:15-17). The stale or frightening depictions of God in stained glass and Renaissance paintings have convinced … Continue reading →

The Easy Way There is a certain amount of freedom in being foolish. Foolish people don’t stop to reflect on their actions. Characteristically unimaginative, foolish people don’t stop to consider how their words and actions affect others. The scary effect … Continue reading →

Do No Harm Love can hurt. Many well-intentioned people have done more harm than good while attempting to care for others. This is especially the case in cross-cultural situations, as well-meaning people attempt to introduce change without understanding the local … Continue reading →

Put Off, Put On We often hear that being a good Christian means not doing bad stuff. This statement is true—but not exhaustive. In Colossians, Paul makes this exhortation: “Therefore put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, … Continue reading →