Pastor Stephen Dedman

If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭8‬

Jesus’ words here in Matthew 18:8 may seem extreme at first glance, but they underscore the severity of sin and its consequences. Sin is not something to be taken lightly or tolerated in our lives. It is a destructive force that separates us from God and leads to spiritual death.

Jesus’ use of “cutting off a hand or foot” illustrates the drastic measures required to deal with sin decisively. He is not advocating literal self-mutilation but rather emphasizing the importance of taking radical steps to remove anything that leads us into sin, even if it means making significant sacrifices.

Sin often starts out small but can quickly escalate and entangle us in its web. Like a cancer, it spreads and corrupts every aspect of our lives if left unchecked. That’s why Jesus urges us to deal with sin swiftly and decisively, before it gains a foothold and leads us down a path of destruction.

But Jesus’ words are not just about avoiding punishment; they are also about embracing the abundant life that God desires for us. He contrasts the temporary discomfort of self-denial with the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin. It is far better to make sacrifices in this life and enter into eternal life with God than to indulge in sin and face eternal separation from Him.

Today, let us examine our lives honestly and prayerfully consider if there are areas where sin is present. May we be willing to take radical measures to root out sin from our lives, trusting in God’s grace to empower us and His promise of eternal life to sustain us.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your warning against the dangers of sin and Your call to radical obedience. Give me the strength and courage to confront my sins and to take decisive action to get rid of it. May Your Spirit empower me to walk in holiness and obedience, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭26‬

Anger is a powerful emotion that we all experience at times. It can be triggered by various situations—disappointment, injustice, conflict, or hurt. While anger itself is not sinful, it is what we do with our anger that matters. Paul helps us in managing our anger in a way that aligns with God’s will.

Paul acknowledges the reality of anger: “Be angry.” He doesn’t condemn the emotion itself but acknowledges that it’s a natural response to certain situations. However, he quickly follows this acknowledgment with a caution: “do not sin.” While we may feel anger, we must not allow it to lead us into sinful thoughts, words, or actions. This means controlling our responses and not allowing anger to dictate our behavior.

Paul offers a practical instruction: “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” In other words, he urges us not to let our anger linger unresolved. Holding onto anger can lead to bitterness, resentment, and relational breakdown. Instead, Paul encourages us to address our anger promptly, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness if necessary. By dealing with our anger in a timely and constructive manner, we prevent it from taking root and causing further harm.

Today, if you find yourself wrestling with anger, take a moment to pause and reflect on Ephesians 4:26. Acknowledge your emotions, but also seek God’s perspective on the situation. Ask Him for wisdom and grace to respond in a way that reflects His love and truth. And remember, as you entrust your anger to God, He is faithful to guide you towards reconciliation, healing, and peace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your guidance on how to manage anger in a way that honors You. Help me to acknowledge my emotions but to respond in a way that will reflect Your love and truth. Give me grace to address my anger promptly and seek reconciliation and forgiveness when needed. May Your Spirit guide me in all my interactions and relationships. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬

In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the characteristics and importance of love in the life of a believer. In verse 13, he concludes by affirming the enduring nature of faith, hope, and love, highlighting love as the greatest. Faith, hope, and love are foundational virtues that sustain and bless our Christian life.

Faith anchors us in the promises of God, enabling us to trust in His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It is through faith that we are justified before God, receiving salvation as a free gift through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope, likewise, sustains us in times of trouble, reminding us of the future glory that awaits us in Christ. It is the confident expectation of what God has promised, the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled, and His kingdom will come in all its fullness (Romans 8:24-25).

But above all, there is love—the greatest of these virtues. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a choice, an action, a way of life. It is the selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that God has lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, demonstrated most profoundly on the cross (1 John 4:9-10).

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationships with God and others. Love compels us to seek the good of others, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show kindness, compassion, and grace to all, regardless of merit or deserving.

In a world that often values power, success, and self-interest, may we be known as a people who prioritize love above all else. May our lives be a reflection of God’s love, shining brightly in the darkness, pointing others to the source of all love—Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing of faith, hope, and love. Help me to use these virtues and to prioritize love above all else. Fill me with Your love, that I may love You with all my heart and love others as myself. May my life be a testament to Your great love and grace, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.