Have you ever wondered why someone is involved in obviously wrong ways of doing things and it seems as though they continue having their way? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though God is just watching while men violate His injunctions, being outrightly disobedient to Him, and there seems to be nothing happening?
Well, I have asked those kinds of questions too.
Does it mean there is a license to continue doing whatever anyone wants to do because of “grace?”
Rev 22:11-12 (KJV): He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall
Wow! Did you just read that?
We have told people, preachers have preached, teachers have taught, prophets have prophesied, and conferences have been held… and there is no more: Let the unjust continue to be unjust, let the filthy continue, let the righteous keep on, and let the holy be holy still.
Why? Jesus is coming quickly, with His reward. Everyone will be rewarded according to the work of their hands.
Let’s take a look at another translation.
Rev 22:11-12 (AMPC): He who is unrighteous (unjust, wicked), let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy (vile, impure), let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous (just, upright, in right standing with God), let him do right still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still. [12] Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.
As we continue reflecting on how we can make our relationships and marriages better in this new year, I wish to show you one key principle that I believe will surely make things better in your life. It’s in the book of Ephesians:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
This is one verse that shows us that love is not just words (nor emotions), it requires effort. It can be easy to profess love verbally, but can you decide to really ACT IN LOVE this year and beyond? Don’t just SAY LOVE, ACT LOVE. Without corresponding actions of love, our profession of love can easily become like the noise of a clanging cymbal to our person. The Scripture says to be “patient, bearing with one another IN LOVE,” meaning that it is love that produces this action. Love always produces corresponding actions, so don’t just verbalize love, DO love.
“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3: 16 NKJV
What is your love making you DO? You need to start asking yourself this question.
Love should make you strive to be a better partner.
Love should make you be patient, and bear with your spouse. For singles, this is not saying you should go ahead and marry someone who is already verbally, emotionally, and physically abusing you even when you are not yet married. To you, I say, “Flee o.”
Love will make you go out of your way to seek the good of your partner.
Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect. Love does not selfishly seek its own honor.
Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 TPT
Do you have the DOINGS of love, or is it just the SAYINGS?
Selah.
P.S.:
For singles, don’t just be carried away with the nice words, look beyond… look for the actions.
The world is filled with shifting values and fleeting connections, however, building a Christ-centered relationship stands as a testament to lasting love that is rooted in faith. It’s more than just being together; it’s about aligning your hearts, values, and actions with God’s purpose for your union.
A Christ-centered relationship thrives when both individuals are committed to walking with God, seeking His guidance, and allowing His word to shape their story.
This type of relationship does not rely on worldly measures of success; instead, it finds strength, purpose, and direction in Jesus Christ. The principles of a Christ-centered relationship can guide you toward a fulfilling and God-honoring partnership.
Here are seven key principles of building a Christ-centered relationship:
1. Make Christ the Foundation: A Christ-centered relationship begins with a personal relationship with Jesus. Both individuals need to prioritize their faith journey independently before they can align spiritually. When Christ is the foundation, your relationship is built on unshakable truth and unworldly expectations. (Matthew 6:33)
2. Prioritize Praying Together: Praying together as a couple invites God into your relationship. It builds intimacy, creates unity, and allows you to seek God’s guidance for your future. Prayer is also a powerful tool to fight against misunderstandings and spiritual attacks that might arise.
3. Practice Selfless Love: Jesus modeled sacrificial love, and we are called to do the same. This means putting your partner’s needs above your own, serving one another with humility, and seeking to outdo each other in love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
4. Study the Word Together: Make Bible study a regular part of your relationship. This strengthens your faith and helps you navigate challenges. The Word of God offers wisdom on how to treat each other, resolve conflicts, and make decisions.
5. Establish Healthy Boundaries: A relationship centered on Christ respects purity and holiness. So, set clear boundaries to protect your hearts and honor God. Have physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries to prevent situations that could lead to temptation.
6. Take Godly Counsel: As long as you’re in the right spiritual community i.e. Church, you will find trusted spiritual leaders and married couples that can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
7. Purpose Before Propose: The description of your life partner’s revealed in the discovery of YOU and what God will have you DO. Have you discovered yourself? Have you started fulfilling your purpose? Can you both serve His kingdom together? Allow your love story to testify to God’s faithfulness and grace. (Deuteronomy 32:30)
This morning, I’d like to share something crucial with husbands and wives. Of course, we’re all aware that marriage doesn’t magically work; it requires effort and commitment.
Secondly, the couple must be honest with themselves and be open with each other.
As I’ve said repeatedly over the years, insincerity invites the devil. We must not give the enemy of our souls any room!
Let’s take a look.
1Pe 3:6 (MSG) Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as “my dear husband.” You’ll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.
1Pe 3:7 (CEV) If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn’t as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life. Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.
Addressing your husband is a crucial skill for every wife to learn. After all, respect is a significant concern for men. As devoted wives, developing effective ways to express your affection and admiration for him is essential. By doing so, you can create a stable and harmonious home environment. A good wife should make it a habit to praise and acknowledge her husband’s efforts and qualities regularly.
For husbands, the Bible advises honoring and delighting in their wives’ entire person, not just their physical appearance. It emphasizes the importance of treating your wife with respect, as this will not hinder your prayers. Furthermore, it encourages you to be thoughtful of her, ensuring that she is constantly on your mind.
When you treat each other with love and respect, the Bible assures us that nothing can stand in the way of your prayers.
Decide to commit to your marriage with a sense of covenant. Don’t undermine each other. Stay on the same page. Work together, and you’ll be able to accomplish many things together!
Waiting is never easy. Whether you’re single or married, we all find ourselves in seasons where patience is tested. Maybe you’re waiting for Mr. Right to come into your life, or waiting for a date to lead to something meaningful. For married couples, it might be waiting for the blessing of a child or a breakthrough in another area.
But here’s the truth: God’s Word never fails. Our anchor scripture for the year is this.
“The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” – Isaiah 60:22 (NLT)
Did you see that? At the right time. God’s timing isn’t random—it’s always perfect. He knows when you’re ready, and He knows when the circumstances are aligned for His plan to unfold.
Think about the story of Lazarus. Everyone thought Jesus was late, but He wasn’t. He showed up exactly when He meant to, and what seemed like a delay became a miracle. If Jesus had shown up earlier, maybe people might not have believed him.
Sometimes, we wait because God is still preparing us. Imagine what would’ve happened if Moses had tried to deliver Israel before he was ready. Well, he did, and it was a disaster! It took 40 years in the wilderness for him to grow into the leader God needed. Similarly, Abraham and Sarah also tried to help God by fast-tracking his promise of a child, and their impatience brought unnecessary complications. Even Jesus, the Son of God, waited for the right time to begin His ministry.
So if you’re waiting, trust that there’s purpose in the process. Use this time wisely. If you’re trusting God for the children, learn about parenting so you’re prepared when the blessing comes. If you’re single, work on becoming the best version of yourself—someone who can nurture and build a healthy relationship. The waiting season isn’t a punishment; it’s an opportunity for growth.
And when the right time comes, God will make it happen. You won’t have to force it, and you won’t feel unprepared. It will flow naturally because it’s His perfect timing.
