There are a few exceptions due to the fallen state of the world or the sovereign plan of God, but 99% of the time the effects manifested in the world are the result of prior sowing, either by the individual who is reaping or some predecessor (by which I mean that one generation could suffer for the behavior of the previous). Sow to the Spirit and reap a reward. Sow to the flesh and reap the destruction of an unbeliever.
Christians are the only species on the planet that is free. The identity of a Christian is settled. The world’s way is to fight for personal glory that comes from comparison with other people. What’s worse is that this comparison is mostly based on outward appearance, But the Christian identity comes from God. We understand something. We are intrinsically equal to everyone else as image-bearers.
There is no atheist who has ever lived apart from the blessing and grace of God, who created him and provided good for him. All have received the grace of life. All have benefited from the good this world provides. Jesus Christ died for the sins of all who believe in his name.
Scholars are not in total agreement on whether his instruction to carry a sword was literal or metaphorical, but it is certain that he is saying that they will begin to face opposition, such as they have not yet. For us, it can be applied as a statement of gravity about the world we live in and the hostility towards Christ and the gospel that is still at work among the unbelievers who we are called to reach.
It was not the time to cling to Jesus. He had a job for Mary to do, and he wasn’t to be held onto until after he finished what he was doing on earth and had taken his place with the Father in heaven. But now is the time to cling to Christ. He has empowered us to do so through His Holy Spirit. He has commanded us to remain in him (Jn. 15:1) and taught us that remaining in him is the way to bear much fruit.
Always remember, you are not a victim. You have the power to create the world you desire, where you enjoy success in your career, have a happy family with lovely children, your peers love you, and you have the courage and intelligence to face every obstacle that is being thrown at you. Let it be known to all that God is love, His word is truth, and he holds all power in his hand. All the best!
The principle of courage comes from both love and power. Courage is more than just taking bold actions. However, courage also involves love, which is the root of motivation in the things we do. It is the deepest connections that inspire us to be courageous. When we are disconnected, there will be no reason to be courageous at all.
In 2 Corinthians 8–9, Paul discusses the Christian duty to provide financial support for Christians in Jerusalem who were facing economic hardship because of the famine in the first century. At that time, it was a new concept for Christians to raise money for other people many miles away whom they had never met.
Authority is a principle derived from the combination of truth and power. When you have truth without power, you achieve nothing. When you have power without truth, it generates wasted actions. However, when the two are utilized in the right way, it gives you a sense of intelligence and produces great outcomes.
God created all men and women equally, regardless of race or gender. He has set apart certain people for certain roles, but all earthly relationships are meant to be horizontal and not vertical.
God Is Gracious 