Daily Hope Devotionals - Matthew 5

Let Go of Your Hurt

Has someone ever done a crazy, hurtful thing to you or to someone you love? And maybe you’ve thought, “I know the Christian thing to do is to forgive, so I will. I will forgive … Continue reading Let Go of Your Hurt

How to Speak the Truth Plainly

When James tells us not to swear, he’s not talking about profanity. He’s talking about making an oath by referring to something else, as if you don’t have enough integrity in yourself to keep your … Continue reading How to Speak the Truth Plainly

Do You Want to Be Happy? Choose Mercy

God set up the world with universal principles. One of those principles is that the more you help other people, the more you will succeed and the happier you will be. Happiness doesn’t come from … Continue reading Do You Want to Be Happy? Choose Mercy

Be Merciful, as One Who Has Been Shown Mercy

God doesn’t want you to show mercy only to the people you like, or only to the people it’s easy to be merciful to. God wants you to be merciful to everyone. Why? Because you … Continue reading Be Merciful, as One Who Has Been Shown Mercy

How to Fight Darkness with Light

I don’t know if there’s anything more counter-cultural in the world today than responding to evil with good. And because it’s so counter-cultural, it can be one of the hardest things to do. When there’s … Continue reading How to Fight Darkness with Light

Don’t Stop with Forgiveness

To think like Jesus means to be willing to forgive the people who have hurt you. Even on the cross, Jesus forgave. In Luke 23:34 he says of the people who tortured and hung him … Continue reading Don’t Stop with Forgiveness

God Says Respond to Unfairness with Love

Unfairness is part of the human condition. You can’t live on this earth for long without feeling like someone has treated you unfairly. Maybe it’s a parent who put you through a miserable childhood. Maybe … Continue reading God Says Respond to Unfairness with Love

It Pays to Be Patient

God rewards patience. James 5:11 says, “We count as blessed those who have persevered” (NIV). In other words, it pays to be patient. When you are patient, it builds your character, you avoid mistakes, and … Continue reading It Pays to Be Patient

Focus on the Future to Get Through Temporary Troubles

When we follow Jesus, we will face trouble. It’s guaranteed! You’ll be harassed, persecuted, rejected, and ridiculed because of your faith. But that’s not the end of the story. The Bible says that Jesus endured … Continue reading Focus on the Future to Get Through Temporary Troubles

A Life of Integrity Leads to God’s Blessing

Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that you are blessed when your heart is pure (Matthew 5:8). What does it mean to be “pure in heart”? Today, we’d use the word integrity. God … Continue reading A Life of Integrity Leads to God’s Blessing