January 5, 2026

Not everyone marches to the same beat. It is a blessing to be free to practice your beliefs and follow what you know to be best in your life. Like Daniel, we should have the strength to defend our truths and refuse to follow the masses and become a lemming. When we live according to the Word, we won’t need to debate with people. Our steadfast faith and our peace should convict anyone who tries to lure us into disagreements.

Our culture, possibly due to social media anonymity, has evolved into an often disrespectful and rude atmosphere where people say things they likely would not express face to face with the same person in a grocery store or bank line. Nothing is achieved when we resort to distain or contempt. It is possible, someone might insult you. Try to remember how Jesus handled such encounters. Often, He said nothing. If He did speak it was with a level of wisdom that stopped the conversation quickly.

I pray, Lord God, I will always demonstrate Your kind of love, Your patience, and an unwillingness to surrender to emotions and feelings when faced with name calling or unfair character attacks. Many people are operating out of fear at this time in history. Shame, blame and accusations are so common we tend to ignore the harsh rhetoric. We ask for relief, a softening of tones, a gentler way to see and hear each other. There is a holy skill in standing quiet when criticism flies round us, in standing firm in Your love, confident You have our backs and we are protected in these situations.

I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.’ Deuteronomy 32:35