Situations in life don’t change because you worry about them. They change because you pray about them. When worry is present, prayer is usually absent. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

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Situations in life don’t change because you worry about them. They change because you pray about them. When worry is present, prayer is usually absent. - Clarence L. Haynes Jr.
SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: Your Daily Prayer: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/</a> Your Daily Bible Verse: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/</a>

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Stop Worrying about Tomorrow

Is your life part of a greater purpose, or can it sometimes feel like a collection of random circumstances? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores what Romans 8:28-30 teaches about God’s purpose, His sovereignty, and His ability to work through every part of our lives. Your story is not an accident, and your circumstances are not beyond God’s reach.

From creation to the way God knows and loves each of us personally, Scripture points to a God who has been present throughout our entire story. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is working all things together for good and drawing us closer to Him.

Highlights
Why it’s natural to wonder whether your life has a purpose
What Romans 8:28-30 reveals about God’s plan and purpose
How creation points to the intentional design of our Creator
Why your life is not simply a random collection of circumstances
How God can use every part of your story to draw you closer to Him
The importance of seeking biblical discernment when considering life's bigger questions
How gratitude can help us recognize where God has already been working

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Working All Things for Good
By Megan J. Conner

Bible Reading:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” - Rom. 8:28-30 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered if God has a plan and a purpose for you? Or does it seem like your life has aimlessly evolved over time? Do you believe the circumstances you are in now are the result of fate or predestination? Or do you think your journey on this earth has simply been happenstance, a completely random assortment of events with no rhyme or reason behind each occurrence? 

These are tough questions that many of us tend to wrestle with internally. Whether we share these musings with others or not, many of us ponder whether our lives really have a purpose, and, if so, who or what is behind it. The world offers boundless explanations for humanity’s origin and design. From pointless existence to eternal destiny, it seems there are ideologies ready to appease any appetite or preference. However, an abundance of theories can cause chaos and confusion rather than promote confident assurance. This is why we must carefully consider and ask for God’s help with discernment as we contemplate the deeper meaning of each of our lives, so that we… “won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth,” (Eph. 4:14, NLT). 

As you seek to understand your reason for being, the answers might be much closer than you think. You do not need to travel the world or climb the highest mountain peak in search of purpose. You don’t need to exhaustively study to ascertain the origin of wisdom. You simply need to look up and look out. The answers you seek are evident right in front of your very eyes through creation. Nature, in all of its glory, demonstrates the divine. Majestic, intelligent design causes the sun to rise and set, the earth to orbit through the universe, and each individual heart to beat without conscious thought or effort.

John 1:3 states, “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him,” (NLT). Our Maker separated the sky from the waters, established all manner of life from the smallest seed to the giant sequoias, and formed you personally, individually, uniquely in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). He knew you before you spoke your first word. He treasured you before you were even aware of his existence. So great is God’s love for you that he chose to proactively cover your sin and separation from God through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). Even further, he has caused all things to work together for your good. Your life is not an accident. It is not the result of an arbitrary series of events. He has known you and chosen you. His eye has been upon every moment of your life. He has predestined your steps so that you would be drawn closer to him and share in his glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Do you feel that your life has meaning and purpose? Or do you wrestle with a lack of fulfillment and clarity? Have you wondered if your journey through life has been a haphazard assortment of random events? Or do you believe God has had a plan and a purpose behind every step? 

Regardless of which side you find yourself on, may I encourage you to take some time to reflect on today’s truths? If you read these words with confidence and assurance that God has been at work in your life, take some time to thank him for his good work. Think through specific circumstances where you know God was a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:05) and offer a prayer of gratitude. 

If today’s message was unfamiliar and challenged you to consider God’s presence in the design of your life, may I encourage you to recite this simple prayer below? As you pray, ask the Lord to give you eyes to clearly see how he has been at work in and through your life.

Lord, I come to you today unsure of your plans and purpose in my life. Would you help me to visibly see how you have been present and at work in my journey thus far? Even though I am still a bit unsure, I choose to believe that you see me and know me. Help me to fully comprehend your love for me. Amen.

Further Reading:
Rom. 5:5-11
John 3:16

Is your life part of a greater purpose, or can it sometimes feel like a collection of random circumstances? In this devotional, Megan J. Conner explores what Romans 8:28-30 teaches about God&rsquo;s purpose, His sovereignty, and His ability to work through every part of our lives. Your story is not an accident, and your circumstances are not beyond God&rsquo;s reach.
From creation to the way God knows and loves each of us personally, Scripture points to a God who has been present throughout our entire story. Even when we cannot understand what He is doing, we can trust that He is working all things together for good and drawing us closer to Him.
Highlights
<ul data-start="906" data-end="1387">
<li data-section-id="xytcid" data-start="906" data-end="966">Why it&rsquo;s natural to wonder whether your life has a purpose</li>
<li data-section-id="1sxjftr" data-start="967" data-end="1025">What Romans 8:28-30 reveals about God&rsquo;s plan and purpose</li>
<li data-section-id="15q3n9m" data-start="1026" data-end="1088">How creation points to the intentional design of our Creator</li>
<li data-section-id="atjdpb" data-start="1089" data-end="1155">Why your life is not simply a random collection of circumstances</li>
<li data-section-id="blzdcx" data-start="1156" data-end="1224">How God can use every part of your story to draw you closer to Him</li>
<li data-section-id="1wdfbbg" data-start="1225" data-end="1314">The importance of seeking biblical discernment when considering life's bigger questions</li>
<li data-section-id="1jndaou" data-start="1315" data-end="1387">How gratitude can help us recognize where God has already been working</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Working All Things for Good By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading: &ldquo;And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn&nbsp;among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.&rdquo; - Rom. 8:28-30 (NLT)
Have you ever wondered if God has a plan and a purpose for you? Or does it seem like your life has aimlessly evolved over time? Do you believe the circumstances you are in now are the result of fate or predestination? Or do you think your journey on this earth has simply been happenstance, a completely random assortment of events with no rhyme or reason behind each occurrence?&nbsp;
These are tough questions that many of us tend to wrestle with internally. Whether we share these musings with others or not, many of us ponder whether our lives really have a purpose, and, if so, who or what is behind it. The world offers boundless explanations for humanity&rsquo;s origin and design. From pointless existence to eternal destiny, it seems there are ideologies ready to appease any appetite or preference. However, an abundance of theories can cause chaos and confusion rather than promote confident assurance. This is why we must carefully consider and ask for God&rsquo;s help with discernment as we contemplate the deeper meaning of each of our lives, so that we&hellip; &ldquo;won&rsquo;t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth,&rdquo; (Eph. 4:14, NLT).&nbsp;
As you seek to understand your reason for being, the answers might be much closer than you think. You do not need to travel the world or climb the highest mountain peak in search of purpose. You don&rsquo;t need to exhaustively study to ascertain the origin of wisdom. You simply need to look up and look out. The answers you seek are evident right in front of your very eyes through creation. Nature, in all of its glory, demonstrates the divine. Majestic, intelligent design causes the sun to rise and set, the earth to orbit through the universe, and each individual heart to beat without conscious thought or effort.
John 1:3 states, &ldquo;God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him,&rdquo; (NLT). Our Maker separated the sky from the waters, established all manner of life from the smallest seed to the giant sequoias, and formed you personally, individually, uniquely in your mother&rsquo;s womb (Ps. 139:13). He knew you before you spoke your first word. He treasured you before you were even aware of his existence. So great is God&rsquo;s love for you that he chose to proactively cover your sin and separation from God through the sacrifice of his only Son (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8). Even further, he has caused all things to work together for your good. Your life is not an accident. It is not the result of an arbitrary series of events. He has known you and chosen you. His eye has been upon every moment of your life. He has predestined your steps so that you would be drawn closer to him and share in his glory.
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
Do you feel that your life has meaning and purpose? Or do you wrestle with a lack of fulfillment and clarity? Have you wondered if your journey through life has been a haphazard assortment of random events? Or do you believe God has had a plan and a purpose behind every step?&nbsp;
Regardless of which side you find yourself on, may I encourage you to take some time to reflect on today&rsquo;s truths? If you read these words with confidence and assurance that God has been at work in your life, take some time to thank him for his good work. Think through specific circumstances where you know God was a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:05) and offer a prayer of gratitude.&nbsp;
If today&rsquo;s message was unfamiliar and challenged you to consider God&rsquo;s presence in the design of your life, may I encourage you to recite this simple prayer below? As you pray, ask the Lord to give you eyes to clearly see how he has been at work in and through your life.
Lord, I come to you today unsure of your plans and purpose in my life. Would you help me to visibly see how you have been present and at work in my journey thus far? Even though I am still a bit unsure, I choose to believe that you see me and know me. Help me to fully comprehend your love for me. Amen.
Further Reading: Rom. 5:5-11 John 3:16

Working All Things for Good

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/016a979c-385d-4cf4-a005-b4a40120c887/transcript

When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, “I forgive you.” Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment—and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises.

God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation.

Highlights
Why broken promises and betrayed trust can make forgiveness difficult
How a rainbow became a reminder of God's faithfulness
What Noah's covenant teaches us about God's promises
How remembering God's forgiveness can help us forgive others
Why forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation
How healthy boundaries can coexist with forgiveness
What Romans 12:18 teaches us about pursuing peace with others

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV)

I’ll never forget one of the first times I  experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial.

While I’ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence.

Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I’d specifically asked that she keep our conversation between us, and she assured me that she could be trusted. So, when, later that week, a mutual friend sent a text that read, “I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time; I’ll be praying for you,” my initial response was not one of gratitude but grievance. 

I was deeply hurt by my friend's inability to keep her lips zipped. However, I decided not to say anything to her, but by my frosty “hello” at church the following Sunday, she knew something wasn’t right between us.  She invited me to coffee and apologized profusely for her carelessness; she genuinely didn’t mean to overshare. I could tell that she was sincerely sorry, but even as I looked into her tear-pricked eyes, my heart remained hardened towards her. We left our time together with a hug, and I said that “all had been forgiven,” but truthfully, I was still fuming inside. 

While we were at the coffee shop, a summer storm came through, leaving a curtain of fresh steam, inescapable puddles, and a beautiful rainbow. On my drive home,  I couldn’t help but feel like the rainbow was following me. “I know, God, I know,” I muttered into the air. 

One of the first stories we learn as children is about Noah and the Ark and God sending a rainbow– a reminder that God keeps His promises. I began to think about the first rainbow. I wonder if, as he looked to the sky, Noah questioned whether God would keep his promise never to flood the earth again. Scripture often speaks of God’s covenants with His people, His first being that He would send a Savior to save us from our sins (Genesis 3:15). We see the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus, and every rainbow we see is an affirmation that God is faithful in keeping all His promises. 

I began to recall the countless times I hadn’t kept God’s commandments, my word, or broken a promise. Yet God is quick to forgive me and even promises to remember my sins against Him no more (Hebrews 8:12). If God, the creator of the Universe, can forgive my many acts of disobedience, both unintentional and intentional, who am I to withhold forgiveness from my friend? I was stewing over a few misspoken words when my own sinful nature was the reason why God sent His son Jesus to cleanse me of my sin—the ultimate act of love and full redemption. I could forgive my friend because I’d been forgiven, and when I’d been unfaithful, God continued to be faithful. 

It can be difficult to move past hurt, especially at the hands of someone we trust. There will be times when forgiveness is appropriate, but reconciliation may not be due to the need for boundaries or distance. But let me encourage you: let us live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Intersecting Faith & Life:How does remembering God’s faithfulness to His promises—even when we are unfaithful—help you when you struggle to forgive others?

Further Reading:
A Prayer When You Don’t Feel Like Forgiving
Hebrews 8:12

When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, &ldquo;I forgive you.&rdquo; Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment&mdash;and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God&rsquo;s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises.
God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation.
Highlights
<ul data-start="994" data-end="1410">
<li data-section-id="xm6x5f" data-start="994" data-end="1065">Why broken promises and betrayed trust can make forgiveness difficult</li>
<li data-section-id="pym002" data-start="1066" data-end="1121">How a rainbow became a reminder of God's faithfulness</li>
<li data-section-id="11sir2e" data-start="1122" data-end="1176">What Noah's covenant teaches us about God's promises</li>
<li data-section-id="1h6qtvk" data-start="1177" data-end="1239">How remembering God's forgiveness can help us forgive others</li>
<li data-section-id="1e8d9bm" data-start="1240" data-end="1292">Why forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation</li>
<li data-section-id="mkhp6n" data-start="1293" data-end="1346">How healthy boundaries can coexist with forgiveness</li>
<li data-section-id="170gcdq" data-start="1347" data-end="1410">What Romans 12:18 teaches us about pursuing peace with others</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV)
I&rsquo;ll never forget one of the first times I&nbsp; experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial.
While I&rsquo;ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence.
Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I&rsquo;d specifically asked that she keep our conversation between us, and she assured me that she could be trusted. So, when, later that week, a mutual friend sent a text that read, &ldquo;I am so sorry to hear you are having a hard time; I&rsquo;ll be praying for you,&rdquo; my initial response was not one of gratitude but grievance.&nbsp;
I was deeply hurt by my friend's inability to keep her lips zipped. However, I decided not to say anything to her, but by my frosty &ldquo;hello&rdquo; at church the following Sunday, she knew something wasn&rsquo;t right between us.&nbsp; She invited me to coffee and apologized profusely for her carelessness; she genuinely didn&rsquo;t mean to overshare. I could tell that she was sincerely sorry, but even as I looked into her tear-pricked eyes, my heart remained hardened towards her. We left our time together with a hug, and I said that &ldquo;all had been forgiven,&rdquo; but truthfully, I was still fuming inside. While we were at the coffee shop, a summer storm came through, leaving a curtain of fresh steam, inescapable puddles, and a beautiful rainbow. On my drive home,&nbsp; I couldn&rsquo;t help but feel like the rainbow was following me. &ldquo;I know, God, I know,&rdquo; I muttered into the air.&nbsp;
One of the first stories we learn as children is about Noah and the Ark and God sending a rainbow&ndash; a reminder that God keeps His promises. I began to think about the first rainbow. I wonder if, as he looked to the sky, Noah questioned whether God would keep his promise never to flood the earth again. Scripture often speaks of God&rsquo;s covenants with His people, His first being that He would send a Savior to save us from our sins (Genesis 3:15). We see the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus, and every rainbow we see is an affirmation that God is faithful in keeping all His promises.&nbsp;
I began to recall the countless times I hadn&rsquo;t kept God&rsquo;s commandments, my word, or broken a promise. Yet God is quick to forgive me and even promises to remember my sins against Him no more (Hebrews 8:12). If God, the creator of the Universe, can forgive my many acts of disobedience, both unintentional and intentional, who am I to withhold forgiveness from my friend? I was stewing over a few misspoken words when my own sinful nature was the reason why God sent His son Jesus to cleanse me of my sin&mdash;the ultimate act of love and full redemption. I could forgive my friend because I&rsquo;d been forgiven, and when I&rsquo;d been unfaithful, God continued to be faithful.&nbsp;
It can be difficult to move past hurt, especially at the hands of someone we trust. There will be times when forgiveness is appropriate, but reconciliation may not be due to the need for boundaries or distance. But let me encourage you: let us live out the words of Paul in Romans 12:18: &ldquo;If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.&rdquo;
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:How does remembering God&rsquo;s faithfulness to His promises&mdash;even when we are unfaithful&mdash;help you when you struggle to forgive others? Further Reading: <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-for-when-you-dont-feel-like-forgiving.html">A Prayer When You Don&rsquo;t Feel Like Forgiving </a>Hebrews 8:12

The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/85b41f8c-a4d1-4485-87f7-b4a40120c575/transcript

Friendship can be easy when life is convenient, but biblical friendship calls us to something deeper: loyalty, intentionality, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi offers a powerful picture of faithful friendship rooted in a shared devotion to God. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how Ruth’s commitment to Naomi reflects the kind of steadfast love and loyalty Christians are called to demonstrate.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful friendship. He invested His time, attention, affection, and ultimately His life in His friends, showing that genuine love is active and sacrificial. As we pursue Christ and allow His love to shape us, our friendships can become opportunities to encourage others, grow in faith, and point one another toward God.

Highlights
Discover what Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi teaches us about biblical friendship.
Understand how loving God enables us to love others more intentionally.
Explore why apathy—not hatred—can be one of the greatest obstacles to meaningful friendship.
Learn how Scripture’s “one another” commands help us grow in Christlike relationships.
Find practical ways to deepen friendships through conversation, shared activities, meals, and studying Scripture together.
See how Jesus modeled sacrificial, selfless, and faithful friendship with His disciples.
Consider how your friendships can ultimately glorify God and point others toward Christ.

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Becoming a Faithful Friend like Jesus

By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you” (Ruth 1:16-17).

“Biblical friendship exists when two or more people, bound together by a common faith in Jesus Christ, pursue him and his Kingdom with intentionality and vulnerability. Rather than serving as an end in itself, biblical friendship serves primarily to bring glory to Christ, who brought us into friendship with the Father. It is indispensable to the work of the gospel in the earth, and an essential element of what God created us for.” -Jonathan Holmes

We see evidence of faithful and committed friendships like that in the scriptures: Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi. Let’s look at an example of loyalty in the life of Ruth in Ruth 1:16-17:

“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

John MacArthur calls these verses Ruth’s “hallmark expression of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.” These verses (verses 16, 17) are commonly read at wedding ceremonies to express the depth of faithfulness and commitment in the union of marriage. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with using these verses to express loyalty and love in a marriage relationship, the proper context is rooted in the friendship between these two women, Ruth and Naomi, but it is interesting to note that their friendship was a very intimate one, a soul-quality one- the type of commitment that one would find in a Biblical marriage because it’s foundation is the same, love for God.

I believe it’s important to understand where Ruth’s ability to love and be loyal comes from. By God’s grace, Ruth turns away from the paganism of Moab and turns to Yahweh. This response is evidence of her repentance (a turning away from) and her faith (a turning towards) the One, True God. Her conversion to becoming a follower of God is where it all begins. By God’s grace, she becomes a lover of God and receives His love for her and then pours that out on Naomi. Oh, may we do the same!

Intersecting Faith & Life:

If we love God and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God’s love will be evident in our lives by how well we show His love: for Him, most importantly, and for others. If you are born again, God’s love is abiding in you through the Holy Spirit. If that is true for you, is God’s love being perfected in you? How well are you loving others… how purposeful? How intentional are you with reaching out and showing the love of Christ to others? My pastor recently said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. If your love is being perfected, it is growing; it is not apathetic and idle. We can see how God’s love is being perfected in us by how we treat one another. 

The “One Anothers” in scripture help us to become better friends because they help us love like Christ! There are almost 60 of these verses in the New Testament. Clearly, the most common phrase in the list of “one anothers” is “love one another,” but really all of the verses are about loving one another—because love is an action, and because all of God’s commands can be summarized as loving God and loving your neighbor. Living out these verses in community is how we can love—and be loved—by one another.

Ultimately, we must be committed to glorifying God in our friendships, which is a Christ-enabled commitment to love God and love one another. Some practical ways we can grow in our friendships are to look for shared activities that provide an opportunity for us to talk because it is conversation that will deepen the friendship: work days at church, beach days, working out together, shopping together, play dates, and shared meals. Meals slow things down to become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Conversation is engaged sharing and engaged listening. Let’s find a good balance between the two! If conversation is difficult for you, especially if the friendship is new, think about what to ask your friend on the way to meet with them so you have a fruitful topic you both can talk about casually and openly. Another idea would be to study a book together and use that as a way to start a dialogue. 

Jesus is our perfect example of how to love others well. How did Christ love His disciples? Jesus taught that friendship is the greatest expression of love. Jesus sacrificednot only by pouring out His life in His devotion to His disciples, His friends, by giving them His time, affection, and attention, but also by literally laying down His life. He laid His life down for His friends. He sacrificed it all, ultimately, in obedience and love for the Father who sent Him, but also because of His great love for His own. By God’s grace, may we all learn how to be sacrificial, selfless, faithful friends just like Jesus!

Further Reading:

Matthew 22:37-40

John 15

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Friendship can be easy when life is convenient, but biblical friendship calls us to something deeper: loyalty, intentionality, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The relationship between Ruth and Naomi offers a powerful picture of faithful friendship rooted in a shared devotion to God. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey explores how Ruth&rsquo;s commitment to Naomi reflects the kind of steadfast love and loyalty Christians are called to demonstrate.
Jesus gives us the ultimate example of faithful friendship. He invested His time, attention, affection, and ultimately His life in His friends, showing that genuine love is active and sacrificial. As we pursue Christ and allow His love to shape us, our friendships can become opportunities to encourage others, grow in faith, and point one another toward God.
Highlights
<ul data-start="1270" data-end="1912">
<li data-section-id="ldee2n" data-start="1270" data-end="1347">Discover what Ruth&rsquo;s loyalty to Naomi teaches us about biblical friendship.</li>
<li data-section-id="2ckkoa" data-start="1348" data-end="1421">Understand how loving God enables us to love others more intentionally.</li>
<li data-section-id="1ityaum" data-start="1422" data-end="1516">Explore why apathy&mdash;not hatred&mdash;can be one of the greatest obstacles to meaningful friendship.</li>
<li data-section-id="100fag9" data-start="1517" data-end="1605">Learn how Scripture&rsquo;s &ldquo;one another&rdquo; commands help us grow in Christlike relationships.</li>
<li data-section-id="4nfby6" data-start="1606" data-end="1730">Find practical ways to deepen friendships through conversation, shared activities, meals, and studying Scripture together.</li>
<li data-section-id="1k0ds1q" data-start="1731" data-end="1821">See how Jesus modeled sacrificial, selfless, and faithful friendship with His disciples.</li>
<li data-section-id="13o5m8v" data-start="1822" data-end="1912">Consider how your friendships can ultimately glorify God and point others toward Christ.</li>
</ul>
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<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Becoming a Faithful Friend like Jesus
By: Emily Rose Massey
Bible Reading:
&ldquo;But Ruth said, &ldquo;Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you&rdquo; (Ruth 1:16-17).
&ldquo;Biblical friendship exists when two or more people, bound together by a common faith in Jesus Christ, pursue him and his Kingdom with intentionality and vulnerability. Rather than serving as an end in itself, biblical friendship serves primarily to bring glory to Christ, who brought us into friendship with the Father. It is indispensable to the work of the gospel in the earth, and an essential element of what God created us for.&rdquo; -Jonathan Holmes
We see evidence of faithful and committed friendships like that in the scriptures: Paul and Timothy, Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi. Let&rsquo;s look at an example of loyalty in the life of Ruth in Ruth 1:16-17:
&ldquo;But Ruth said, &ldquo;Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.&rdquo;
John MacArthur calls these verses Ruth&rsquo;s &ldquo;hallmark expression of loyalty and commitment to Naomi.&rdquo; These verses (verses 16, 17) are commonly read at wedding ceremonies to express the depth of faithfulness and commitment in the union of marriage. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with using these verses to express loyalty and love in a marriage relationship, the proper context is rooted in the friendship between these two women, Ruth and Naomi, but it is interesting to note that their friendship was a very intimate one, a soul-quality one- the type of commitment that one would find in a Biblical marriage because it&rsquo;s foundation is the same, love for God.
I believe it&rsquo;s important to understand where Ruth&rsquo;s ability to love and be loyal comes from. By God&rsquo;s grace, Ruth turns away from the paganism of Moab and turns to Yahweh. This response is evidence of her repentance (a turning away from) and her faith (a turning towards) the One, True God. Her conversion to becoming a follower of God is where it all begins. By God&rsquo;s grace, she becomes a lover of God and receives His love for her and then pours that out on Naomi. Oh, may we do the same!
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
If we love God and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, God&rsquo;s love will be evident in our lives by how well we show His love: for Him, most importantly, and for others. If you are born again, God&rsquo;s love is abiding in you through the Holy Spirit. If that is true for you, is God&rsquo;s love being perfected in you? How well are you loving others&hellip; how purposeful? How intentional are you with reaching out and showing the love of Christ to others? My pastor recently said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. If your love is being perfected, it is growing; it is not apathetic and idle. We can see how God&rsquo;s love is being perfected in us by how we treat one another.&nbsp;
The &ldquo;One Anothers&rdquo; in scripture help us to become better friends because they help us love like Christ! There are almost 60 of these verses in the New Testament. Clearly, the most common phrase in the list of &ldquo;one anothers&rdquo; is &ldquo;love one another,&rdquo; but really all of the verses are about loving one another&mdash;because love is an action, and because all of God&rsquo;s commands can be summarized as loving God and loving your neighbor. Living out these verses in community is how we can love&mdash;and be loved&mdash;by one another.
Ultimately, we must be committed to glorifying God in our friendships, which is a Christ-enabled commitment to love God and love one another. Some practical ways we can grow in our friendships are to look for shared activities that provide an opportunity for us to talk because it is conversation that will deepen the friendship: work days at church, beach days, working out together, shopping together, play dates, and shared meals. Meals slow things down to become people-oriented instead of task-oriented. Conversation is engaged sharing and engaged listening. Let&rsquo;s find a good balance between the two! If conversation is difficult for you, especially if the friendship is new, think about what to ask your friend on the way to meet with them so you have a fruitful topic you both can talk about casually and openly. Another idea would be to study a book together and use that as a way to start a dialogue.&nbsp;
Jesus is our perfect example of how to love others well. How did Christ love His disciples? Jesus taught that friendship is the greatest expression of love. Jesus sacrificed not only by pouring out His life in His devotion to His disciples, His friends, by giving them His time, affection, and attention, but also by literally laying down His life. He laid His life down for His friends. He sacrificed it all, ultimately, in obedience and love for the Father who sent Him, but also because of His great love for His own. By God&rsquo;s grace, may we all learn how to be sacrificial, selfless, faithful friends just like Jesus!
Further Reading:
Matthew 22:37-40
John 15
1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Becoming a Faithful Friend Like Jesus

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