RUSSELL SANDERS

11-14-2025

DISPENSE GRACE

Has someone “done you wrong?” What does the scripture say about your response? Let us answer that with Proverbs 19:11 which says, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

This tells us that we must not hold offense or anger toward anyone who has done us wrong. Anger is a negative response, and it accomplishes nothing good. Jesus tells us that we must respond in a manner that mirrors His love and compassion. Not an easy thing, you say. No, but it is the right way. It will show forth the glory of the Lord through us.

When we demonstrate grace instead of offense, it shows God’s glory through us. We become carriers of God’s grace and glory. When we are a “carrier” of anything, whether good or bad, it spreads on to other people around us.

Would you prefer to be a carrier of God’s grace and glory, or an infection carrier of ill will? It is a choice that you must make. You will be tested often. Choose grace. Forgive others quickly. We have received grace from God, so we must give grace to others. Carry no offense.

HELEN SANDERS

11-14-2025

GODLY COUNSEL

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In reading in 2 Chronicles chapter 10 we see that Solomon had died and his son Rehoboam had become king. He heads to Shechem where all Israel would see that he became king.

An old adversary of Solomon, Jeroboam, shows up. Solomon had treated him very harshly and he had fled to Egypt. He comes to Rehoboam hoping that things would be different.

In verse 4 he said, “Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.”

Much of Israel was in agreement with Jeroboam. They wanted to serve the new king but serve with some dignity and not a heavy hand on them. Rehoboam told Jeroboam to come back in three days.

During that three-day period Rehoboam “…took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived.” [Verse 6] Now these counsellors were seasoned servants of Solomon and gave Rehoboam godly wisdom. They told him to speak good words to Jeroboam and those with him and they would be servants.

Then Rehoboam made a foolish mistake. He forsook the counsel of the seasoned servants, and he took counsel with the young men that he had been brought up with. They were unseasoned, and unwise in their counsel telling the king to make things worse for Jeroboam than they were.

This unwise counsel, given by those that had no experience, caused a terrible thing to happen. When the king told Jeroboam that he was going to make things even harder for him, Jeroboam, along with the people that followed him rebelled and the nation was divided into two kingdoms: the northern and the southern kingdoms. They became enemies instead of working together in unity.

I see this same thing happening in our world today. Instead of seeking out godly counsel from those that have lived longer, and experienced life with its good and bad, many are influenced by the philosophy that each one should do what they see is right in their own eyes. [humanism]

Isaiah 5:20-21 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.”

I pray that the youth of our day will seek out the godly wisdom that the older generation has learned the hard way. I pray that they look to God for answers instead of the counsel of the world. Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” Verse 7 says, “The fear [reverence] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Let us never be so proud that we do not seek godly counsel in all things that pertain to life.