Simply put, covetousness is all about self- exaltation and is not content with what God has given us.

Faith in the person of Jesus Christ must be paramount. This may well produce emotion but understand, emotion never produces faith.

The difference between worldly ‘peace’ and ‘shalom’ is that worldly peace is dependent on pleasant circumstances, whereas true ‘shalom’ is being dependent on the God of circumstances. 

Does our encouraging begin and stop with things like charity giving, emotional cuddles with someone doing it tough, or whispering compassionate words in their ear? 

The risen Lord is the very crux, the centrepiece of all we believe God has said in His Word.

What a joy to be a “living stone” that is built into the most glorious an eternal building ever constructed!

The bible has a lot to say about those ‘others’ to whom honour is due.

Being accepted into the presence of God as His redeemed children is a joy above all other joys!

In other words, when we are confronted by the shocking intensity of God’s eternal love for us despite the depth and severity of our own depravity, that becomes our motivation for extending sacrificial love towards others.

You see Him as your hope; then you praise Him for that. You remember His faithfulness; then praise Him for that too.