The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT

'Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 NLT

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:14-21 NLT

DO YOU WANT JUSTICE OR FREEDOM?

DO YOU WANT VENGEANCE OR PEACE?

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Romans 12:17 NLT

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 NLT

for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin. Acts 8:23 NLT

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 4:31-32; 5:1-2 NLT

YOUR GREATEST FREEDOM IS WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND YOU DON'T NEED GOD TO CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU NEED GOD TO USE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO CHANGE YOU FOR THE BETTER.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Psalms 118:5-6 NLT

3 QUESTIONS TO KEEP ME ACCOUNTABLE TO MY COMMITMENT AS A DISCIPLE

1. ARE MY CHOICES LEADING ME TOWARD COMPROMISE?

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NLT

WE BECOME MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO COMPROMISE WHEN WE HAVE NEGATIVE REFLECTIONS OR UNHEALTHY ASSUMPTIONS.

'But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 NLT

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 NLT

2. ARE MY ACTIONS REPRESENTING HEAVEN?

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT

PRAYERFULLY ASK YOURSELF DAILY, “HOW WOULD JESUS RESPOND” AND THEN OBEY THAT.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV

Makarios: Joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and changes of life.

AS GOD’S CHILDREN WE ARE CALLED TO STRIVE FOR PEACE AS WE…

LOVE OUR ENEMIES But I say, love your enemies! Matthew 5:44 NLT

PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44 NLT pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:14 NLT

BLESS OUR ENEMIES Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them. Romans 12:14 NLT

BE THE BIGGER PERSON Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone; Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Romans 12:18;20 NLT

3. AM I CLOSED OFF TO THE NATURE AND HOLINESS OF GOD?

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:24-26 NLT