How does walking with God impact our interactions with others? Grounded in Psalm 116:9 “I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.” Walking Before the Lord—More Than a Solo Journey • “Walk” pictures steady, conscious movement side-by-side with God, not an occasional visit • “Before the LORD” reminds that every step unfolds in His presence, under His gaze • “In the land of the living” places the walk right here—workplaces, homes, neighborhoods, pews How the Vertical Shapes the Horizontal 1. Continuous awareness of God’s nearness reshapes our tone and temperament • Genesis 5:24—Enoch walked with God and pleased Him; a God-focused life naturally pleases people who love righteousness • 1 John 1:7—walking in the light produces fellowship with one another because honesty and humility replace pretense 2. Gratitude spills over into graciousness • Psalm 116:1-2—the psalmist loves the LORD because He heard his cry; rescued people become receptive people • Colossians 3:12-14—chosen, holy, loved ones put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness 3. God’s character becomes the template for ours • Micah 6:8—walk humbly with God and you will act justly and love mercy toward people • Ephesians 5:1-2—imitators of God walk in love, giving themselves up for others as Christ did 4. Fear is replaced with confident benevolence • Psalm 118:6—“The LORD is for me; I will not be afraid.” Unafraid hearts no longer self-protect at others’ expense • Proverbs 29:25—freedom from the fear of man loosens us to serve, not manipulate Relational Hallmarks of Someone Walking with God • Steady kindness even when schedules tighten • Quick listening, slow anger (James 1:19) • Truth spoken in love, not merely to win an argument (Ephesians 4:15) • Forgiveness that echoes God’s own (Ephesians 4:32) • Generosity that mirrors His open hand (2 Corinthians 9:8) • Visible joy that invites conversation about its source (1 Peter 3:15, minus the fear) Practical Daily Steps 1. Start mornings acknowledging God’s presence—aligns attitude before interacting with anyone 2. Keep Psalm 116:9 on repeat when entering meetings, classrooms, or family rooms—reminds whose company we keep 3. Pause before responding—ask, “Does this reflect the One I’m walking with?” (internal statement, not spoken question) 4. End each day reviewing moments when His presence colored conversations—thank Him, seek course corrections Living Conclusion Walking with God turns every hallway, sidewalk, and pew into the “land of the living” where His rescued people reflect His rescue to others. A life before the LORD naturally becomes a life for the good of everyone around us. |
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