Letter from the Editor: Agreements and the Power of Discernment in Relationships
Daily Scripture Explained: Choose Your Relationships Wisely and Walk in Agreement with God
Hello Believers,
I love winter because there’s nothing better than enjoying a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning. I also look forward to spending more quality time with friends, family, and you, my readers. Winter seems to slow things down—fewer vacations, fewer errands, and fewer joyrides as the cold sets in—giving us all a little extra time to connect and share. It also helps us review our relationships. Lets talk about it.
Life often presents us with relationships that challenge our faith and spiritual journey. The Bible provides us with the wisdom to navigate these connections, reminding us of the importance of walking in agreement with God and being mindful of the company we keep. As the saying goes, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” This truth holds both spiritually and practically.
alt tag: #Letter from the editor’s desk
Understanding the Importance of Agreement
The Apostle John teaches us in 2 John 1:10-11 (KJV): “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” While Jesus sat with sinners, His purpose was to lead them to repentance, not to condone their actions.
Likewise, we can be kind and respectful to everyone, including coworkers and acquaintances with different beliefs, but we must use discernment when inviting people into our homes or deeper into our lives.
Jesus warns us in Amos 3:3 (KJV): “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Walking with those who align with God’s Word brings peace and growth, but aligning with ungodly behaviors or beliefs can lead us astray. Relationships are powerful, and their influence can either strengthen or weaken our spiritual foundation.
The Spiritual Battle in Relationships
Jesus reminds us in John 15:18 (KJV): “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” Satan hates what God loves, including His children. This hatred can manifest in strained relationships, even with close family members. It’s painful but true—sometimes, our spiritual light draws opposition.
Communion in church is a vital practice for renewing our covenant with Christ. The blood of Jesus is our protection against evil. If your friends and loved ones participate in communion with true faith, the Lord can heal and strengthen those relationships. However, when others reject Christ, we must rely on God to guide us. We cannot control how others behave or what they believe, but we can pray for them and prophesy against the spirits that seek to harm them and us.
Personal Testimonies: The Cost of Association
I once had a friend who shared a tragic story. Her best friend was killed while visiting someone to get her hair done. Strangers entered the home demanding money, and when it wasn’t provided, they killed everyone in the house. Her friend was an innocent victim caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. This heartbreaking story reminds us of the dangers of association.
Another time, I witnessed friends and couples hurt by their own actions. They helped each other in wrongdoing and were shocked when that same wrongdoing turned against them. They thought they were an exception to the snake bite. As I often say, “You can’t expect a snake not to bite; it’s in its nature.”
alt tag: #letter from the editor
Living as the Light of the World
Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) declares, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” As Christians, we are called to be examples of love, peace, and righteousness. This doesn’t mean we condone sin or align with it. Instead, we live as ambassadors of Christ, trusting God to use our example to inspire others to follow Him.
Seek to Be Holy and Set Apart
Being holy means being set apart for God. Sometimes, this requires separation from those who harm or oppose us. If they return with repentance, forgive them as God forgives us. But we must protect ourselves and our families from those who seek to destroy.
Jesus told His disciples, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35, KJV). Walk in love, but also walk in wisdom.
Reflection or Journal Question: Are your relationships bringing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him?
Join me tomorrow for a continuation of our spiritual tune-up series on “Want” and the implications of understanding assets vs liabilities in defining needs vs wants.
May Our Living Hope in Jesus Christ Find You Faithful,
Angela Clark, M.Ed.
Daily Scripture Explained
SEO Keywords: agreement in Christ, spiritual discernment in relationships, King James Bible teachings, dangers of bad associations, communion with Christ, spiritual battle, toxic relationships, personal testimonies, Amos 3:3, Christian friendships, light of the world, holiness, walking in agreement, Jesus, scripture, bibleverse, motivation, relationships, spiritual tuneup
*Disclosure: Graphics below are not affiliated links. There is nothing to buy. 45 Days to Learn the Gospel Challenge Classes are FREE.
alt tag: Fellowship with Jesus Christ
CALL TO SALVATION
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
Join to hear from us and get updates FREE!