There are those who come as "angels of light" promising everything you want, flattering you and pretending to be just like you who are devils in disguise.
Never accept anyone because of promises or flattery, seek Christ and discernment from His word. Those excited about promises and flattery will follow the antichrist when he arrives on the scene.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 "…4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. 5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! 6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it."
Psalm 12:2 "Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts".
We live in a world that flatters and manipulates to elevate self. There is no love and concern in their good deeds only self-aggrandizement. Yes, there are exceptions to this but far fewer than we realize.
Romans 16:18
"For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive."
When we love someone we enjoy sharing our joys with them and we love that they share their joys with us. The love and kindness is mutual and authentic.
Psalm 41:6
"My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad."
Psalm 28:3
"Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts."
2 Peter 2:3
"In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep."
Personally, I am thankful God gave us all these warnings, it helps us develop discernment and enhances our joy when we meet someone who is not like this.
When we focus on Christ we will not be so discouraged as to give up, we will see each setback and hurt as a lesson and temporary.
Matthew 6:20-21 "19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Our hope as believers is immense, and our joy is full as long as we keep seeking Him in all things.
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