Command 3 : Rejoice | Day 20

Have a "GREAT" Response!

Great rewards are waiting for those who endure testing, including the power of God and a crown of life. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12). If we could learn how to have the right response to every situation involving reviling, we would take a giant leap toward daily success.

Accusations that produce anger confirm to bystanders that we are at least partially at fault, but a joyful response is a strong witness of innocence.

G—Give thanks: “In every thing [including reviling] give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). If our first response is to thank God, we will have the right heart attitude to understand the deeper reasons for God allowing it to happen.

R—Rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Giving thanks is an act of the will; rejoicing is a response of the spirit when we list the benefits that God intends to give us through the trial.

E—Engraft God's Word: “...Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). During His wilderness trial, Jesus defeated Satan three times using Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). We are to follow His example.

A—Appeal to God: “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). Crying out to God is powerful! David testified, “When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me” (Psalm 56:9).

T—Triumph With Good Works: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). It is through good works that we put to shame those “that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ" (I Peter 3:16).

Every relationship in your life will be successful if these five responses become an immediate response to attacks.

May God give us the wisdom and grace to have a GREAT response, beginning now!