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We can easily find reasons to be irritated with one another. We need to be intentional and prayerful if we want to agitate one another in the direction of love. As we conclude our study this month, pray that God will strengthen your church and strengthen your love, commitment, and service to Him there.

How do you minister to a family member who isn’t a believer without causing division?

Few paid attention to Jesus’ birth at the time, even though it changed history. Later in Matthew, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, “the smallest of all seeds” (13:32). The works of God often begin as small things that are easily overlooked. In what small things might God’s work be growing in your life? How can you nurture...

Although we do not like to admit it, studies show that nearly every person is biased in some way. Against whom might you be biased? Whom might you have a difficult time welcoming as part of the kingdom of God? Remember that Jesus loves even them and calls them to come to Him. How might you pray for them and reach out in love?

Throughout Matthew, Peter makes mistake after mistake. Nevertheless, Jesus says that Peter is “blessed” and will be part of the foundation for His church (v. 17–18). Indeed, Peter became central in the church’s growth (see Acts 2). Jesus has the power to redeem our shortcomings. Pray that He will redeem yours to strengthen His church.

What earthly goods or status do you most desire? Does your desire hinder you from following Jesus? Pray that God would help you to loosen your grip on anything that might keep you from pursuing His kingdom with your fullest devotion. And give thanks to the God of salvation with whom “all things are possible” (v. 26).

Not everyone responds to Jesus at the same time; as in the parable, some come earlier and some later. Do you have friends, family, or neighbors who have not yet come to Jesus? Pray that they may respond to His invitation and receive abundantly from God’s generous grace. Pray also to be purified of any feelings of envy or entitlement.

The king in the parable invites the most unlikely people to his celebration. Even more remarkably, they respond. In this Christmas season, who might you consider unlikely to join such a celebration? Ask God to create opportunities for you to invite them to celebrate Jesus’ birth and give them the grace to respond.

Eric C. Redmond answers the question: What does Paul have to say about gender and homosexuality?

Righteous Excess A prominent pastor faces accusations of sexual impropriety. A Christian college president admits to financial misdeeds. A ministry leader is revealed to be verbally abusive to the staff. Behind each new revelation are broken lives and damaged trust, magnifying the toll of the sin. We might be surprised to read that one of...