Tough and loving

Tough and loving

Bible: Psalm 37:30-40

Reading

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who
seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for
the wicked (VV.37-38).

“Every fool is quick to quarrel” (PROVERBS 20:3). “The name of the wicked will rot” (10:7). “Whoever hates correction is stupid” (12:1). Is it right for the Bible to call people fools, wicked and stupid? Isn’t God all about love and kindness? After all, God is love. God is kindness. He created this world so that we could know Him and enjoy Him. Yet God reminds us that in His love He does not overlook the selfishness of our thoughts and actions. Those verses from Proverbs can remind us that while God is love, He has great expectations for us. Life is tougher than it needs to be for those who keep ignoring Him and doing things their own way. Each harsh word in those proverbs has an opposite—an alternative that gives God’s preferred way to live. “It is to one’s honour to avoid strife” (20:3). “The name of the righteous is used in blessings” (10:7). “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge” (12:1). There’s always a choice in this life. Live God’s way and enjoy knowing Him personally—or live for yourself and get in a mess. That’s the truth about living in God’s world. Which do you choose?

THERE’S ONE BIG CHOICE TO MAKE IN LIFE:
JESUS OR ME?

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries