HE LIVES IN YOU
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe

- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Readings:
Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 13:1-9

A great life is an impactful and fruitful life. In appearance, you are just like any other face in the crowd; with your own strengths and weaknesses, your hopes and dreams, your failures and successes, your past, present and possible future. What sets you apart from others is knowing who you are and why you are here and why you are still alive. Jesus was about to be dragged into a gossip over the death of some Galileans and he used it as a learning moment: “Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.” (Luke 13:2). Jesus makes a distinction between ‘suffering’ and ‘perishing’.
Suffering is the result of sin and the presence of evil, and it is the lot of everyone on the face of the earth. But to perish is to die without fulfilling your purpose. Such a person will suffer a second death, that of eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:14, 21:8). The length of days on earth is not a sign that you have lived well. If anything, it is proof of God’s mercy, so that you straighten up your life and bear the necessary fruits of virtue which God requires of you before you return to Him. Jesus illustrates it with the fig tree in the vineyard, which the owner gives one more year before it is cut down. Every moment you still have is borrowed time. But what fruits does God require us to bear?
The Lord requires three things of you: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. This famous summary of God's expectations is found in Micah 6:8. Act justly. This means doing what is right, fair, and honest in your dealings with others. It involves seeking justice for the oppressed and vulnerable in society, such as orphans and widows, and treating every person impartially. Love mercy. This goes beyond simply showing kindness; it means having a heartfelt commitment to compassion and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for mercy means being merciful to others, even when they may not deserve it—doing what pleases God always. Walk humbly with your God. This means maintaining a close, personal, and obedient relationship with God. It is a humble walk with God, recognising your dependence on him and submitting your will to his, rather than relying on pride or self-righteousness.
Here is a simple, yet powerful, call to action.
God's requirements are about internalising the truths contained in elaborate religious liturgies and the scriptures, and allowing them to transform your life. It calls for an active faith that is lived out with intention through your actions toward others and in a personal relationship with God.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, thank you for dwelling in my heart by Your grace. Help me to use every day and every opportunity to love and serve you and bear the good fruits of faithful service in my relationships with others. Amen.
TASK FOR THE DAY:
Pray for persons' weddings today and those celebrating their wedding anniversaries this month.




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