Living for God's Smile
Reading
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Devotional
The sermon challenged us to live in a way that brings joy to God's heart. Today's readings give us a picture of what this looks like – putting on compassion, kindness, humility, and love; letting Christ's peace rule in our hearts; and letting our light shine before others. This isn't about earning God's love, but responding to it. How might your daily choices change if you approached each decision asking, "Will this bring a smile to God's face?" Choose one specific way you can shine God's light to others today. Remember, as you live to please God, you become a powerful witness to His transforming love.
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Devotional
The sermon challenged us to live in a way that brings joy to God's heart. Today's readings give us a picture of what this looks like – putting on compassion, kindness, humility, and love; letting Christ's peace rule in our hearts; and letting our light shine before others. This isn't about earning God's love, but responding to it. How might your daily choices change if you approached each decision asking, "Will this bring a smile to God's face?" Choose one specific way you can shine God's light to others today. Remember, as you live to please God, you become a powerful witness to His transforming love.
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