Watchman’s Daily Devotional: If There Is Jealousy or Strife in Your Life, Take Another Look at the Gospel and Humble Yourself Before the Lord and Others

The church in Corinth had split into different groups, and each one said it was the best and best of all. Paul got to the bottom of what was wrong. They weren’t following the Spirit. Jest and fights are sure signs of a sexual life. Both come from nature’s old ways. The Corinthians were envious of those who were pious. It was a competitive energy that comes from being proud. The students talked about how great their teacher was and said that teacher’s teaching was better than other teachers’. When people are spiritually proud, they fight over small beliefs and forget about the big ones. The result is splitting up.

It was like the rest of the world, Paul wrote. They did not have any of the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Paul knew that he couldn’t teach them the greater truths of God’s Word because they didn’t understand the main point. Since we are all sinners saved by grace alone, we are all on the same level. When we understand the gospel’s basics, it makes us humble. We know that God opened our eyes by his kindness and that other people can’t understand spiritual truth unless God opens their eyes too.

We can also see that we are part of a family of sinners that Jesus saved. In that way, we are a part of a wonderful, thankful family whose main goal is to love their Savior more every day. We’re drawn together by our shared interest, which makes us want to listen and learn from each other. It also makes us patient because we know that other people will overlook our flaws as well. We know that we are all still being changed, but we are moving toward the great day when we will see Jesus face to face.

Think about this: If you are angry or jealous, read the message again and be humble in front of the Lord and other people.