SOAP Devotional Acts 23:12-15 – How do you act around someone you hate? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 664

The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot. They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” (Acts 23:12-15)

A plot starts with one person. A member of the Sanhedrin spoke to another about why he didn’t like Paul. Bad feelings and lies spread. They wanted to get rid of him. Most have been on the receiving end of evil and know how it feels, even if the scheme wasn’t against our lives.

We dislike the Sanhedrin for plotting against Paul. But is there someone at school, work, church, or another social group whom you don’t like and wish to get rid of? Have you taken the first step of talking to and helping another person dislike them? Or have you thought about giving accurate information to God and telling Him how you feel? God knows the heart of the other person you dislike and wants to help you.

In 1 Corinthian 4:12b-13a Paul tells how a Christian should handle these situations. “When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.” God blesses and uses Christians who are able to do that. “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2b)

Father, I praise You for listening when another person hurts me. Help me respond with blessings, patience, and kind words. I want to be faithful so you can promote and use me. Thank you for blessing, healing, and keeping my loved ones safe today. Bind them closer to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP Devotional Acts 23:12-15 – How do you act around someone you hate? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 664

2 thoughts on “SOAP Devotional Acts 23:12-15 – How do you act around someone you hate? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 664

  1. I don’t like using the word hate. It is a very strong word. I try not to use this word, but of course I do from time to time. Last night I said, “I hate the pizza, because I burned it.” When it comes to people it is a bit more serious. When I think about it, I know there are two people that I hate. One is a non issue as she is not on earth anymore. The other is far away and I don’t ever have to be exposed to her. We are supposed to surround ourselves with uplifting people, not people who we dislike. These two people are evil. I don’t think about them very much, which is good because I have not come to terms with forgiveness. I try not to be around people I don’t care for, when I have to be, I try to be polite.

    1. I commend you for being polite to those you don’t care for. It is sometimes hard to do. It is easier to forgive people when you think about how their parents raised them. People whom you hate or dislike probably suffered a horrible childhood and/or a horrible event. Only God knows their hearts. Forgiving someone does not say what they did to you was okay. It’s knowing that the person is shattered and putting them in God’s hands. That way you forgive the person but not their deeds. I think you may already have done that since you don’t think about them much. Love you, Sis.

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