Ep. 550: When I Can't Understand God, Will I Look To The Cross?

Are you the kind of friend who shows up for others, or do you tend to take more than you give? In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Philippians 2:3–8 and Jesus’ example of humility and selfless love to help you evaluate the health of your friendships and recognize the difference between genuine friendship and selfishness. Discover how to become a more thoughtful, generous, and dependable friend by listening well, caring about others’ needs, and finding practical ways to serve without expecting anything in return.

Have you ever struggled to forgive someone who deeply hurt you, betrayed your trust, or caused lasting pain? In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Jesus’ powerful parable in Matthew 18:21–35 to show how God’s incredible forgiveness toward us should shape the way we forgive others. Discover why forgiveness matters for your spiritual growth, how bitterness can affect your heart, and how to take a step toward forgiveness while recognizing that forgiveness does not always mean restoring trust or returning to an unsafe relationship.

Did you know that God connects honoring your parents with a special promise? In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Ephesians 6:1–3 to explain what it means to honor your father and mother, why honoring them goes beyond simple obedience, and how to show respect even when your parents are imperfect. Discover how biblical wisdom can shape your relationship with your parents, how God’s promises fit into the hope of eternity, and practical ways to honor your mom and dad while maintaining appropriate boundaries in difficult relationships.

How do you treat people who have nothing to offer you in return? In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Jesus’ challenging words in Luke 14:12–14 and what they teach us about generosity, humility, and loving people without expecting anything back. Discover how serving those who cannot repay you reflects the heart of Jesus, why the way someone treats others matters when considering a dating relationship, and how you can live for the eternal rewards that come from God rather than the temporary approval of people.

What might Jesus’ rewards for faithfulness look like in eternity? In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Jesus’ Parable of the Minas and what it teaches us about faithfully using the money, relationships, talents, influence, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. While salvation is a free gift received by grace through faith, Jay explains that our faithfulness now matters forever and encourages you to live with the hope of one day hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”