Tues.’s Devo - Walk in Love

Read: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1 Job rebuked his friends for all their criticism when what he needed was comfort and encouragement him in his loss. Once again, Job cried out for a mediator like a lawyer to help him present his case to the Lord. That mediator was given to us in the person of Jesus Christ and then Jesus gave us another one called Holy Spirit. Job cried out for the earth to defend his innocence and stand up for him since no man will do it. He told his friends to go home and come back with a better argument because none of what they had said yet was acceptable or right. Bildad spoke up and gave a speech about the wicked as if Job fell in that category. Job defended himself and cried out for mercy from his friends. Everyone had turned against him yet he ended in a praise to God and his Redeemer. He declared that his end would be victory. It is his ‘friends’ who should fear punishment. I can’t help but see the contrast of they way Job’s friends treated him and the way Paul treated the ones who served him. Paul honored them and commended what they did. What we do for the Lord is not measurable in human standards but God is writing it all down and will reward us according to our obedience. The ministry of spreading the Gospel is a team effort and everyone does their part no matter how small or unimportant it may seem. It is all important and huge in God’s eyes. We are all working for the Lord. Paul’ encouragement to his team was to be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong and do everything with love. Lord, as members of your family, help us to do all the things Paul told his team. May we bring encouragement and give strength to our fellow brothers and sisters and walk in love.