John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full.
Scripture Insights
When we look at today’s scripture, many of us probably think about physical things because of the strong words “steal and kill and destroy.” We imagine the “thief” coming into our home through a broken window and gathering up our new television, our computer equipment, our media devices, and our jewelry,
umping it all into a waiting car, and roaring away.
Some of us may realize this scripture isn’t really about our physical stuff but our spiritual stuff. Still, that’s a bit vague. Our relationships are what the enemy works most consistently to ruin or snatch away in our lives. Our relationship to the Christ. Our relationship to the church body. Relationships between spouses, between parents and children, and even between the church and the community.
We’re pretty focused on protecting the physical stuff we own. Do we put the same effort toward protecting the relationships of our lives?
Today’s Prayer
Jesus, please give us the wisdom to understand and prioritize all of our relation ships, beginning with the one we share with you. Show us where we have missed important conversations. Teach us to apply grace where there has been misunder standing. Grant us the strength of humility with those we love and those we ought to love.
—Everett Tustin
CotN District Superintendent, Washington Pacific
