Friday, November 5, 2021
Pleasing God
“It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—‘he disappeared, because God took him.’ For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5 NLT).
What does it mean to be well-pleasing to God? There are Scripture passages that specifically point out what is pleasing to Him.
For example, God is pleased when we patiently endure when we’re misunderstood, in spite of the fact that we’re in the right. First Peter 2:19–20 says, “For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you” (NLT).
Worship and helping others is also well-pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15-16 tells us, “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (NLT).
God is well pleased when we sing His praises. Yes, He sees our hearts, but He wants to hear us praise Him from our lips. God wants to hear us say that we love Him.
Giving to the work of the Kingdom is well-pleasing to God. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18 NKJV).
In that instance, Paul was speaking of an offering they had given. And he was saying their offering was pleasing to God.
Would you commit yourself to be a more patient and forgiving person toward those who take advantage of you or don’t appreciate all that you do? Would you make a commitment to be a regular giver and a regular worshiper? These things are well-pleasing to God.
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