“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.” -Proverbs 23:24

Let me give you a little front-porch truth this morning.

There is no joy quite like watching someone you love walk in righteousness.

Proverbs 23:24 reminds us that a father rejoices over a righteous child. Not because that child is perfect. Not because they never stumble. But because they choose the right path. They choose wisdom. They choose integrity. They choose God.

And that brings joy that money cannot buy and success cannot replace.

As a pastor, I have watched parents light up when their children serve the Lord. I have seen grandparents wipe tears when a grandchild sings in church or bows their head in prayer. That kind of joy is deeper than pride. It is holy joy.

But here is the beautiful part: this verse is not just about earthly fathers. It reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father.

When you choose righteousness, when you forgive instead of holding grudges, when you tell the truth instead of taking shortcuts, when you honor God in the quiet places, you bring joy to the heart of your Father in heaven.

Imagine that. Your obedience brings Him delight.

So today, walk wisely. Live clean. Make decisions that honor God. Not for applause. Not for recognition. But because somewhere in heaven, your Father rejoices when His children walk in truth.

And there is no greater joy than that, because that’s the Joy of The Lord!

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” -Romans 12:10 (KJV)

Let me give you something simple today, but powerful enough to change your home, your church, and your community.

Romans 12:10 is front-porch Christianity.

It is not flashy. It is not loud. It will not trend on social media. But it will transform every room you walk into.

“Be kindly affectioned.” That means love people on purpose. Not when they earn it. Not when they agree with you. Not when it’s convenient. But with a steady, genuine, family-type love.

Brotherly love.

That is the kind of love that shows up.

The kind that checks in.

The kind that forgives.

The kind that stays at the table when things get uncomfortable.

Then Paul says, “in honour preferring one another.”

In plain language?

Put somebody else first.

We live in a culture that screams, “Promote yourself. Protect yourself. Put yourself first.”

But the Kingdom whispers something different.

Honor them.

Lift them up.

Celebrate their win.

Let them go first.

Speak well of them when they are not in the room.

There is something powerful about a person who walks into a space asking, “How can I bless someone today?”

You want stronger marriages?

Honor.

You want healthier churches?

Honor.

You want deeper friendships?

Honor.

Kindness and honor are not weaknesses. They are spiritual strength under control.

So today, choose to love somebody intentionally. Send the text. Offer the encouragement. Give the compliment. Let someone else shine.

Because when we prefer one another in love, we look a whole lot like Jesus.

And that kind of love changes everything.

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” -1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)

Let me tell you something we don’t talk about enough.

There is no shame in suffering for doing what is right.

In fact, sometimes the clearest evidence that you belong to Jesus is not the applause you receive but the resistance you endure.

Peter didn’t say, “If you suffer, you must have failed.”

He said, “If you suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed.”

That means when you stand for truth and it costs you something…

When you choose integrity over popularity…

When you hold your conviction with kindness but refuse to compromise…

And it feels lonely.

And it feels misunderstood.

And it feels heavy.

You are not losing.

You are glorifying God.

The world may not always celebrate your faith, but Heaven never overlooks it.

There is something powerful about a believer who refuses to bow to shame. A man or woman who says, “I may be criticized, but I will not be quiet. I may be opposed, but I will not be ashamed.”

Your suffering does not define you.

Your Savior does.

And when you carry the name “Christian” with courage, humility, and love—even in hardship—you shine brighter than you realize.

So today, if standing for Christ has cost you something, lift your head.

Do not be ashamed.

Glorify God right there in the middle of it.

Because sometimes the greatest sermon you will ever preach is simply how you endure.