There will always be people who are jealous, envious, bullies, haters. Not everyone is going to like you or be for you.

Gospel Corner

11/02/25

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture
Those who hate you will be clothed with shame.
Job 8:22, NKJV

Don’t Let the Poison In
It’s easy to get upset and try to set the record straight when someone is talking behind your back, trying to make you look bad, spreading rumors on social media. Some may be saying hurtful, critical things to try to make you feel small, unattractive, not good enough. Don’t let the negative chatter get inside you. There will always be people who are jealous, envious, bullies, haters. Not everyone is going to like you or be for you. Some will jump on every fault and treat you badly. Don’t let that poison in. Let it go. If you keep thinking about it, reliving the hurt, dwelling on what they said, it’s going to contaminate your life.

You don’t have to defend yourself. God is your vindicator. Keep Him on the throne of your heart and He will take care of those who try to bring your down. Just run your race and stay focused on your goals. Keep doing the right thing, keep honoring God, stay in peace, and He will protect your reputation and take care of your enemies.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can shut the door on the negative that comes against me and keep what You have promised and said about me close to my heart. Thank You that You are my vindicator and none of these things need move me. I believe that I will rise above the negatives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO

You’ve got to love the story of short, little Zacchaeus, who had climbed a sycamore tree hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He walked by (Luke 19:1–10). Zacchaeus was a corrupt tax collector, a rich sinner.

But when Jesus spoke to him, instead of giving him the Ten Commandments, Jesus showed him grace (undeserved favor) and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Of course, the religious people in the crowd were displeased and gossiped among themselves saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner” (Luke 19:7).

Now, observe what happened in Zacchaeus’ house. Before the dinner was over, Zacchaeus was giving his wealth away to the poor and making restitution to those whom he had wronged, and Jesus was proclaiming salvation over Zacchaeus’ house.

I believe that it was the Holy Spirit who put this story side by side with that of the rich young ruler. I don’t believe that the two stories in the Gospel of Luke happened chronologically. But I believe that the Holy Spirit placed them in this divine order to show us the contrasting effects of being under the covenant of law and being under the covenant of grace.

When the rich young ruler came boasting in his law keeping, Jesus answered with the law, and the young man walked away sorrowful (Matt. 19:22). But when Jesus gave no law and showed His grace, it not only opened Zacchaeus’ heart, but also the wallet of a once corrupt tax collector.

That’s truly the power of grace! It leads one to true repentance. You see, when you experience God’s grace, you can’t help but be generous.

After Jesus lavished His unconditional love and grace on Zacchaeus, his heart overflowed with the undeserved, unmerited, and unearned favor of God. Zacchaeus knew deep in his heart that as a sinner and corrupt tax collector, he did not deserve to have Jesus come to his house.

But God’s goodness far exceeded his expectations. And just as Peter was brought to his knees when he saw Jesus’ goodness, Zacchaeus was led to repentance when he experienced Jesus’ goodness.

Unlike the young ruler, Zacchaeus knew that he was undeserving and that is why Jesus was able to shower grace on him. You see, the role of the law is to bring you to a place where you know in no uncertain terms that you cannot do anything to deserve God’s salvation and blessings, and how you can only rely on His grace.

His grace will give you all the blessings you need and transform your life. My friend, our heavenly Father is waiting for us to give up on our own efforts. The moment you begin to repent from all the dead works that you have been doing to try to qualify for and deserve God’s acceptance and blessings, God will lavish on you His abundant grace—His undeserved, unearned, and unmerited favor.

Today, turn your eyes away from yourself and see yourself enjoying the undeserved favor of God under the new covenant of grace. See yourself forgiven and righteous with Jesus’ righteousness. Be occupied with Him and His grace, and like Zacchaeus, you will be transformed from the inside out.

For More information,Advert Placement or Counselling please call +2348025681978