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Seeking to Understand

Redemptive Recovery

October 7

"A fool does not delight in understanding, but in revealing his own mind.” (Proverbs 18:2)

Our verse says that a fool does not delight in understanding but instead is trying to “reveal his own mind.” This proverb describes a person who is always trying to be understood rather than trying to understand. It may manifest as someone who rarely listens, dominates conversation, or appears to be a “know-it-all.” While it's easy to notice these traits in others, if we're honest, we must admit that we have all acted this way at times. How can Christ transform these tendencies in us and those around us?

You may have heard of the well-known Prayer of St. Francis. This prayer focuses on selfless reflection, emphasizing what a person can bring to every situation in life, rather than what they can take from it. It says:

Lord, make me a channel of Your peace:

Where there is hatred, I may bring love;

Where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;

Where there is discord, I may bring harmony;

Where there is error, I may bring truth;

Where there is doubt, I may bring faith;

Where there is despair, I may bring hope.

Lord, I pray to comfort rather than to be comforted, to understand rather than to be understood, to give rather than to receive, and to love rather than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds, it is by forgiving that one is forgiven, and it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.

How can I practice active listening and seek to understand more fully? How does seeking to understand others first reflect Christ’s love?

Lord, help me to seek understanding over being understood. Give me a humble heart that listens, and help me to always speak with wisdom and grace. May I reflect your love in every conversation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Redemptive Recovery

Redemptive Recovery (RR) is a Christian recovery group and program that is modeled on biblical truths. We believe that Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives and that the bible is our roadmap. RR meets weekly and is for anyone currently navigating the challenges of addiction and also those that are further along in their recovery.

Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.

Steadfast and Immovable

Redemptive Recovery

September 21

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

The Roman army was the greatest military machine of its time. It expanded the borders of Rome, provided protection from neighboring rivals, built roads, achieved engineering feats, and maintained law and order for roughly 500–700 years. None of this would have been possible without organizational structure, sound leadership, and discipline. Through discipline, the army remained steadfast, acting as an immovable force to those it encountered—unwavering in its pursuits, loyal to Rome, and fully committed.

Paul is calling the Corinthians to be steadfast and immovable in doing the work of the Lord, just as the Roman army was to Rome. These truths apply to us today as we face challenges and difficulties in our lives. We are called to be immovable like a fortress and unwavering in our pursuit of the higher calling on our lives—fully committed to the tasks that he has called us to and completely loyal to the king whom we serve, Jesus Christ. It is through his spirit that we are able to fully commit our lives to him in this way. Therefore, like a powerful army equipped with all the resources necessary for victory, remain steadfast in all your work, knowing that God will provide everything you need to accomplish his good work, and that your labor is not in vain.

Have there been times when you have not been steadfast in your walk? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Spirit that refines me as well as provides me with the strength to live a life that is steadfast in my walk with you. Continue to build me up as a faithful servant to you and those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Redemptive Recovery

Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.

Called to Holiness

Redemptive Recovery

September 20

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter1:15-16)

When you hear the call to be holy, what emotions arise within you? Do you feel a sense of inadequacy, recognizing your own shortcomings? Or perhaps it stirs feelings of frustration or resistance, as if God’s call to holiness feels like a demand to be “holier than thou.” Does it feel like an impossible standard, leaving you wondering how this could ever be achieved? How can we pursue holiness when our weaknesses and failures feel so overwhelming?

The truth is, apart from Christ, attaining holiness is impossible. Holiness isn't about reaching perfection, but about being set apart and allowing his grace to transform our lives. We are called to live in a way that lets the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—flow from our hearts into the lives of others. These fruits were the very qualities that transformed the world over 2,000 years ago, and they remain the evidence of an inner transformation that expresses itself outwardly, impacting those around us. While we don't develop these fruits all at once, God, rich in mercy, molds us over time through his Spirit as we seek him daily in prayer, meditation, devotion, and worship. Holiness is not an unattainable goal, but a journey of transformation empowered by his grace.

What emotions stir within you when you hear someone say to be holy? What are some things you can change in your life to be more set apart for him?

I pray, dear God, that I may be set apart for you. Help me to love you more deeply and strengthen me through prayer and devotion. Enable me to walk in holiness today, allowing the fruits of your Spirit to grow within my heart as you continue your work in me. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Redemptive Recovery

Visit www.redemptiverecovery.org for more information.