DCLM Daily Manna September 15, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Keep Your Relationship Aglow

Topic: Keep Your Relationship Aglow [September 15, 2016]

Text: Song of Solomon 5:9-16

Key Verse: "And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth" (Job 11:6).

John was driving home late one night when he saw a stranded traveller. He had compassion on him and offered him a ride. As they rode along, he became suspicious that his passenger had stolen his wallet. Immediately, he applied the brakes, ordered the man out of the car and said, "Hand over the wallet immediately!" Confused and frightened, the man handed over a billfold to him. John drove off quickly without checking what was handed to him. When he arrived home, he began to narrate his ordeal to his wife. But she interrupted him saying, "Before I forget, John, do you know that you left your wallet at home this morning?" He then realised that he had accused the stranger wrongly.

Such is the situation when people allow their emotion to override their reasoning. Zophar, the youngest of Job's three friends, would not earn a better description than a miserable friend. He was unhappy with Job's explanation in reaction to Eliphaz and Bildad's initial comments. Earlier, Job's two friends had given him their perspective of his mysterious sufferings. In his treatise, Eliphaz pointed out that man is sinful, obviously wanting to encourage Job. Bildad stated that God was just and merely wanted to correct Job. When he spoke, Zophar concluded that God could punish sin and wanted to warn Job with all his sufferings. Such is the attitude of hypocrites. They rejoice at the afflictions of others, yet pretend to sympathize with them.

As a Christian, rather than condemn someone who is grieving or pretend to sympathise with them, genuinely render help or give succor to their predicament. When in doubt, stay out. Wrong assumption is sin against God.

Thought for the day: Relationship is about love and appreciation, so keep it aglow.

Bible Reading in one Year: Psalm 139-150

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria