** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 < August 300, 2022>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Reacting to Hurtful Words
• Enid Adah Nyinomujuni • Psalm 19:14, Philippians 4:8, James 1:19–20, 1 Peter 2:21–23
How should we react when negative and unkind words are spoken to us or about us? Do we react in anger to defend ourselves or get involved in arguments in order to clear our reputations? Do we meditate on these hurtful words and hold grudges?
Years back, I would respond to such words in a rude way, either to defend myself or to hurt the people who had spoken hurtful words to me. I would meditate on the negative words so much that I would end up with bitterness in my heart.
Then, I came across Philippians 4:8. In this passage, God’s Word tells us to think and meditate on good things. I began to see that I was doing a wrong thing by meditating on wrong words.
Instead of storing up the cruel words of others in our hearts, we can meditate on God’s Word. We can rest in the truth that He loves us immeasurably and rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). And when we are secure in the love God has for us—a love fully revealed in Jesus’s death and resurrection—that love overflows into how we respond to the unloving people around us.
In our day-to-day encounters with people, we hear unkind and negative words. In these situations, we are tempted to fight back, to hate and hold grudges. But such a reaction will lead us to sin against God and each other. James 1:20 warns us that the sinful anger of humans does not work toward the righteousness of God.
Instead of reacting in sinful anger, we can rest in the love Jesus has for us and for those around us, and we can let that love direct our speech. Through the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we can be “slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Let’s follow the example of Jesus: when He was insulted by others, He did not insult them in return but instead trusted God, who is the just judge (1 Peter 2:21-23). • Enid Adah Nyinomujuni
• When we hear gossip or unkind words about ourselves, we often want to get revenge. How could remembering Jesus’s love for you (and those who hurt you) bring peace and healing?
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 < September 02, 2022>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
The Road to Hope
• Kathryn Sadakierski • Romans 8:28, Colossians 4:3, Proverbs 3:5–6
College preparation is daunting. You outline the roadmap to your future—a blueprint setting a foundation for your life. Thus, you strive to place every step perfectly in order, as though you were scaling a mountain and had to plan each foothold to reach the summit.
In high school, I applied to a wide range of colleges, considering numerous paths, though I’d always planned to study English. By the midpoint of senior year, I believed I’d found the college for me, which offered two English tracks. Meanwhile, I had been exploring other colleges. And then, at one local university, I was amazed by the sense of connection and community I felt. A traditional English major program, however, was not offered.
I was torn; I had to choose my original blueprint, didn’t I? Ultimately, I made the choice that was best for me, enrolling in the university with a great community but no English program. Initially, I was overwhelmed by designing a new course of study personalized to my dreams. But, as I let go of knowing all the details— leaving my worries in God’s care and trusting that He works all things for His good purposes—everything naturally fell into place, and new opportunities arose that I had not foreseen.
It wasn’t a traditional English program like I’d imagined, but it exceeded my plans. I learned so much about myself, discovering new subjects I was passionate about. I cultivated a meaningful educational pathway through listening to God as I took steps into the future, resting in His immense love for me.
I don’t have to worry about ordering every specific step of the future. I can rest knowing Jesus is with me now. He has already triumphed over death, rising from the grave. With faith in His goodness, I can let go of the fears weighing me down and savor the amazing journey of walking with Him. • Kathryn Sadakierski
• As Christians, we walk with Jesus through our lives, which means we can talk with Him as we make big decisions, and we have the freedom to adjust course as we notice what opportunities God is giving us and as we learn more about the ways He has made us. Think of a time when God surprised you with a new opportunity. How did this help change you for the better?
At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... Colossians 4:3 (CSB)
