Verse of the Day and Devotional 4/10/2025

Scripture

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 NIV

Devotion

In the Sermon on the Mount, a servant-leader’s behavior is broken into three categories: emotions (anger and murder); sexuality (lust & sexual purity); relationship (speech, non-retaliation, active love).

As servant leaders, we are called upon to:

1. Avoid anger and murder (Matthew 5:21-26)—Murder is always a result of anger. Anger is a natural passion. There are cases in which it is lawful and laudable, but it is then sinful when we are angry without cause. It is an emotional response tied to psychological sense of self-preservation. It involves standing up for one’s sense of convictions and self-worth.

2. Avoid lust (Matthew 5:27-30)—A strong sexual desire. Self-indulgent sexual desire (personified as one of the deadly sins). Lust is not to be entertained by what we see, hear, or do (pornography). Our eyes must be trained to look at what is right.

3. Sexual purity (Matthew 5:31-32)—This addresses the issue of divorce, which is not in the plan of God. Moses allowed for the divorce because of people’s stubbornness. However, the fundamental sustenance of marriage is fidelity and chastity.

4. Honesty in speech (Matthew 5:33-37)—The Bible is clear about our speech. Our talks must testify our walks. Servant leaders should say what they mean and mean what they say.

5. Non-retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42)—Go extra mile. Help even if you feel or believe you are being robbed. Always let God be your Judge. “Righteousness, godliness, and holiness do not demand their rights. It is the character of righteousness and godliness to give up rights… A righteous man is characterized by a selflessness that does not demand one’s own right” (J. Dwight Pentecost 1980:118).

6. Active love (Matthew 5:43-48)—Love must not be confined to those of the household of faith. It is through love to those who hate us that we can win them over.

We can win the world by behaving as Christ expects from us! We must let our light shine so that others can see Christ!

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