“TenderHearted”
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
ONLY “GOD IS LOVE” – NOT US (1 JOHN 4:8, 16). THE BIBLE NEVER SAID THAT GOD’S PEOPLE (US) ARE LOVE BUT ONLY THAT HE IS LOVE. AND SO WE, HIS CHILDREN, ARE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON GOD WHO “IS LOVE,” THROUGH AN ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, TO RECEIVE HIS LOVE. HE WHO “IS LOVE” THEREBY SPREADS HIS LOVE ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY GHOST (ROMANS 5:5; 1 JOHN 4:7-8, 16-18).
We love with HIS love – the love of our God who first loved us!
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Jesus Christ is “NOT Willing that ANY Should Perish” – Are You willing that some should perish? (2 Peter 3:9; Luke 15)
God will forgive “ALL sins” except 1:
“Verily I say unto you, ALL sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” Mark 3:28-29
As we walk with Christ, we are learning to be “tenderhearted” as opposed to hard-hearted (Ephesians 4:32).
WHEN TRIALS ARISE by someone doing us wrong (even by someone who claims to be a Christian), we must be prayerful (full of prayer) and ask God for His wisdom in that situation, as He told us to do (James 1:5). It’s easy to simply react, isn’t it? But is that glorifying our LORD?
We at times come under attack by someone who is blatantly doing us wrong (sin) and yet, we must learn that God alone is their Judge. He’s also our Judge as we have all fallen short of His glory (Romans 3). Do we have the right to cast a stone? (John 8:1-11) This is a lesson I am learning alongside of each member of Christ’s body. Here are some passages that will minister our LORD’s wisdom to our hearts:
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
Friend, are you angry with sinners, with someone, anyone, someone who hurt you? Notice how God promises that those who’ve done wrong, will be repaid – they will reap what they sowed. No one escapes the the law of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7-8).
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
DEAR SONS OF THUNDER OF WHICH I AM CHIEF (UGH)…. “I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD” …. Reaping what is sown is absolute. It WILL happen (Galatians 6:7-8). Not one escapes the divinely instituted law of sowing and reaping. Those who do evil are digging their own pit (Psalms 7, 9; 35, 37, 73, etc.). The LORD Almighty promised that HE IS GOING TO REPAY THE WICKED. He just doesn’t want us to try to do it, especially since we ourselves are in utter need of His mercy also (James 1:20).
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD.” Romans 12:19
In their early days with our LORD, His twelve tended toward judgment instead of mercy. Memorize this:
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
“Harboring unforgiveness against someone else is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” unknown
When it begins to sink into our hearts how desperately in need of and dependent we ourselves are, on the mercy of God, we’ll begin to drop the stones and begin to stoop …. to stoop down and help those who have fallen (John 8:1-12). Isn’t that why Jesus came? Let us never forget what manner of wicked men we ourselves are outside of Christ (Romans 7:18, 24).
When sinful men rejected Christ, rejected His will, His disciples sought Him to bring down judgment upon them.
“And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Luke 9:54-56
Where would you and I be if God had not had mercy, patience with our own wicked souls?
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalms 103:10
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3
“who shall be able to stand?”
“For the great day of his wrath is come; and WHO shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:17
Only those truly in Christ shall be left standing. They built the foundation of their lives in Him – by obeying Him. Now read Matthew 7:19-29.
May God bless us today to announce aloud our own great need for the Savior…. who came to pay the full price for the wicked sinners of this world of whom I am chief…. in utter need of the blessings, the profound benefits of our LORD Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice. He’s Wonderful and Beautiful.
Here’s why we are His, we have a relationship with the LORD, and why we are not in hell.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” Ephesians 2:1-4
The LORD has been mercifully with.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Would this be a good moment to pause, to look up to Heaven, and to thank God for creating, finding you in your sin, and saving you from your sins into His glorious kingdom?
“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:7
WE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY – GOD IS GONNA GET EM … IN THE MEANTIME, HE MAY CRUCIFY OUR DESIRE TO SEE EVIL COME UPON THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THEMSELVES OUR ENEMIES. WHILE DYING FOR OUR SINS ON THE CROSS, JESUS SAID: “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM; FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (LUKE 23:34) CHECK THIS OUT SAINTS AND PLEASE SHARE FOR THE EDIFICATION AND LEARNING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST – VENGEANCE IS MINE! NOT YOURS!
Memorizing this verse has greatly blessed and helped this mercy-dependent soul: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19 (go for it!)
BEWARE OF THE EVIL TEMPTATION TO DO YOUR OWN BIDDING BY AVENGING YOURSELF. REMEMBER THAT NOT ONE SOUL WILL ESCAPE THE JUDGMENT OF OUR MAKER WHO ALONE IS THE JUDGE OF OUR ETERNAL SOULS. BE NOT DECEIVED INTO THINKING THAT THOSE WHO DO YOU WRONG WILL ESCAPE ONE IOTA OF JUDGMENT FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE. READ PSALMS AND SEE WHAT DAVID ENDURED AND SAID ABOUT HIS ENEMIES. THAT’S AN EDUCATION!
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
BEWARE: THOSE WHO DRAG UP THE PAST, CONFESSED, ALREADY FORGIVEN SINS OF OTHERS ARE THE DEVIL’S CHILDREN AS MUCH AS ANYONE COULD BE. DON’T YOU DARE JOIN IN WITH THEM OR GOD WILL HOLD ALL OF YOUR PAST SINS AGAINST YOU.
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” James 4:11-12
Do you think our heavenly Father can bring us to the place of Christ-likeness that we show mercy to those who wound and attack us?
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13
God will not forgive the sins of those who refuse to forgive all others – from their heart (Matthew 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26, etc.). Unforgiveness is non-negotiably, irrefutably, soul damning sin.
Are we not incentivized here to show mercy and not judgment and condemnation? We all have spiritual boomerangs circling back upon us. Are they waves of mercy or condemnation? – depends on what we have released toward others in our attitudes and words and actions, right? Memorize James 2:13
Undiluted divine judgment comes upon the head of those who “shew(ed) no mercy.” So, conversely we know that mercy comes on those who show mercy to others. For myself, when I began to cease reacting in judgment to others who attack me, the LORD began to show His mercy to me when I stumbled. Try it!
WHEN YOU BEGIN TO SHOW MERCY TO OTHERS AS GOD HAS SHOWN TO YOU, YOUR RELATIONSHIP WILL IMMEDIATELY BE MORE IN ORDER WITH THE LORD. LET HIM BE THE JUDGE AS HE ALONE IS QUALIFIED. YOU AND I AREN’T.
GOD is “not willing that ANY should perish” – WHAT about you? (2 Peter 3:9)
If we need His mercy – and we sure do – we are required of Him to show mercy on others.
“What is the justification that God will hold ‘all your past sins against you’? Did Christ die for my sins? If so, how can God bring them back up against me for any reason? Was God not satisfied with the life and death of His Son? If not, by what power was He raised from the dead?” Dallas Eaton
When the LORD truly gets a hold of our lives, perhaps we will begin saying with Jesus and Stephen (the first martyr for Christ) “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Stephen’s Example
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60
BY THIS LANGUAGE “HE FELL ASLEEP,” PERHAPS WE LEARN THAT GOD SPARED STEPHEN THE PAIN AND JUST TOOK HIM TO HEAVEN. PERHAPS THIS WAS DUE TO THE MERCY STEPHEN SHOWED HIS MURDERERS! SELAH!
If you still struggle with unrighteous anger, then there is a trigger point there that can perhaps be disarmed. Perhaps beginning with prayerfully and verbally speaking out that you “release the expectation of perfection from any and every other human being, knowing that we are fallen and at times, including ourselves, we don’t do what is right in God’s eyes.”
If we are grudging against even one of God’s children, are we ready to meet Christ?
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:7-9
Do No Harm
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10
The word “harmless” (contrasted with harm-full) appears 3 times in God’s Word:
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and HARMLESS as doves.” Matthew 10:16
“That ye may be blameless and HARMLESS, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15
“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, HARMLESS, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:26
How Do You Remember Peter?
Here’s a case in point: Do you remember the apostle Peter for his denial of Christ or for his preaching and leading 3,000 then 5,000 souls to Christ after Pentecost? I would think that most of us remember the way God used this frail man to lead 8,000 souls to Christ just like that! Wow! That was only the beginning. But wait, Peter then assimilated with judaizers and Paul had to rebuke him right? (Galatians 2) Yes. Now have you personally walked perfectly with Christ – uninterrupted denial of self by taking up the cross daily – or have you been intermittent at times like Peter?
Do you see the point? In the minds of the righteous, Peter is remembered for what God used him to do and not for his failings. David, the man after God’s own heart, is primarily remembered for the righteousness he walked in with our LORD and how he sought the LORD relentlessly (Acts 13:22). So, in light of this, how should we view others? Should we black ball them for a sin they committed? Is that how you want people to remember your life? – for the sins you committed? What did Jesus teach us in the golden rule? (Matthew 7:12)
If God can use Peter, and Moses, and David AFTER they fell, who then can’t He use if they return to Him in repentance? Has the LORD changed? No! – “I am the LORD; I change not.” (Malachi 3:6)
NOW, GET YOUR HANDS AND HEART UP HIGH TO THE LORD FOR THE GREAT MERCY HE HAS SHOWN YOUR WRETCHED SOUL! THANK HIM, THANK HIM, THANK HIM!!!!
Why then are some among us so very merciful and understanding of their own failures and sins and so very merci-LESS in their attitudes and actions towards others when they stumble?
Do you personally have the ongoing need for God’s mercy? If so (and it’s obvious that you do), then it’s time to begin showing sheer mercy as God has shown you through Christ – that is, on His perfect merit! Mercy is something you and I do not deserve and yet, on the basis of the perfection of Christ, God grants it to those whom He saves and who abide/remain in intimate relationship with Him (Romans 4:4-8).
“Now to him that worketh (tries to earn his salvation) is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:4-8
Maintaining Unity Among Christ’s Brethren
Now, especially concerning the body of Christ, I want you to write the following two Scripture verses on index cards with references (KJV) and begin to read and meditate upon and memorize them:
“Endeavouring (working hard) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
We should memorize Ephesians 4:32 and tell every Christian we know to do the same.
JESUS CONDEMNS HYPOCRITICAL JUDGMENT … NOT ALL JUDGMENT (JOHN 7:24) BUT RATHER HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING OF ANOTHER WHEN OUR OWN HEARTS ARE NOT REPENTANT, RIGHTLY JUDGED, CORRECTED, AND CLEANSED (MATTHEW 7:1-5).
PASS THIS ON TO ANOTHER
Are you actively involved with helping others hear God’s Word which never returns to Him void? (Isaiah 55:11)
Check out and order your supply of soul winning Gospel tracts here | The Use of Gospel Tract by R.A. Torrey | The Persistence of One Child | Evangelism | Love Mercy [podcast]
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
FEEDBACK:
“Very good word. I needed to read this! Sometimes it is really hard to want good for those who have hurt us, we are commanded to love one another. Thanks for sharing.” Heidi D.
Read Psalms 37 and 73.
“I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice”: What does this really Mean? [podcast]
Abiding
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Hated”
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“Ye shall Laugh”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22
“Through much Tribulation”
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
“To Make them White”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Made white … the wise shall understand”
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Giving | Fellowship | Christology = the Study of Christ
Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
Making Peace with God | It is Finished! | Discipleship | The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood | Christology | The Gospel: What is It?
Support | STORE | Podcasts | The Bridegroom is Calling His Bride | Purifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast] | 10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast]
Sign up here to receive the Moment with My Master emails sent out to edify the body of Christ.
Abiding
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Cost of Discipleship
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11
Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES
By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:
And the fifth:
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.
If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.
Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:
“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”
“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”
In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37
Of this Adam Clarke wrote:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”
Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:
“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES
In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.
As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”
To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15
Jesus Addressed the Excuses
Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62
Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28
The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).
Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.). 
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms
Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
Discipleship | Enduring to the End | Abiding | The Blessing of Suffering
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of Christ | Stewardship | Apostate Modern Church Exposed | Beware of the BUZZ WORD Bandits [podcast] | Preach the Word | Wolves Exposed | Church Membership Exposed | 100’s of Christ-centered, Scripture-rich Podcasts | Knowing God | The Cross Life | Christology = the Study of Christ
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Chosen, Ordained, Joyfully Fruitful [podcast]
The Truth about Tradition and Church Membership [podcast]
The One Essential to Victory [podcast]
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 31
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
The Truth about Fellowship and Going to “Church” [podcast]
Death and Resurrection
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
Mother Teresa was a Fraud [podcast]
Dispensationalism Exposed as an Antichrist Cult [podcast]
Rejecting the Swine: Swine Among Us! [podcast]
Satan’s First Lie that He is Still Telling Today! [podcast]
The Lying Vanity of “Eternal Security” [podcast]
WHAT’S On Jesus’ Prayer List? [podcast]
Tozer: The Cross
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
The Laid Down Life [podcast]
The Goal of the Ungodly Eternal Security Teachers [podcast]
Settled at His Feet [video]
Following Christ’s Great Commission Command [podcast]
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
-
America10 months agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
-
Articles2 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
-
Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
-
Apostasy2 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved