Key Text: Luke 9:55 KJV - But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Jesus rebuked two of his disciples who sought for His permission to call down fire from heaven upon a Samaritan village that did not receive him. He told James and John that they did not know the kind of spirit they had and reminded them that he did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them. Although his disciples, they were quite unlike Christ, looking unto Elijah instead of the author and finisher of their faith.

You are a Christian because you are born again and should be a follower of Jesus Christ. You should therefore adhere to the teachings of Christ: the believer's perfect example. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch because they lived like Christ. Many so called Christians disobey Christ's teachings captured in the Sermon on the Mount, where he repeatedly said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, ... But I say unto you ..."  

On the cross, Jesus prayed for his crucifiers, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" - Luke 23:34. Stephen also prayed for those stoning him to death, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" - Acts 7:60. What is the content of your prayer for your persecutors? Remember, Jesus says, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you - Matthew 5:44.

Prayer: O Lord, give me the grace to live, love and pray like Christ, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good - Romans 12:21.