In a world where so much of what we value doesn't last, how do we know what's actually worth treasuring? 2 Corinthians 4 reveals that God's greatest treasure is often hidden in the most unexpected place.

We often think sibling rivalry is about personality clashes or family tension—but beneath it lies something deeper. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more than the next person.” In Genesis 27, Jacob and Esau are set against each other in a battle not just for a blessing, but for superiority. Shaped by the favoritism of Isaac and Rebekah, their relationship becomes defined by comparison—who is greater, who is chosen, who comes out on top. But this struggle isn’t limited to ancient families. We measure ourselves against siblings, friends, and peers—quietly competing for status, recognition, or worth. Yet comparison can quickly turn into resentment, and resentment into hatred. What would it look like to confront the pride that drives comparison, and instead learn to love others not as rivals, but as neighbors?

We often think sibling rivalry is about personality clashes or family tension—but beneath it lies something deeper. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more than the next person.” In Genesis 27, Jacob and Esau are set against each other in a battle not just for a blessing, but for superiority. Shaped by the favoritism of Isaac and Rebekah, their relationship becomes defined by comparison—who is greater, who is chosen, who comes out on top. But this struggle isn’t limited to ancient families. We measure ourselves against siblings, friends, and peers—quietly competing for status, recognition, or worth. Yet comparison can quickly turn into resentment, and resentment into hatred. What would it look like to confront the pride that drives comparison, and instead learn to love others not as rivals, but as neighbors?

Why do anger and anxiety seem to define so much of modern life? Psalm 42 suggests they may point to a deeper thirst—a soul longing for the living God.

It’s easy to judge people in power based on headlines…“What a corrupt leader”...“What an egomaniac”...“I would never act like that.” Comparison can be deceptive. It blinds us to the quieter ways we misuse power in our own lives. In Genesis 16, we see a time when Abraham’s wife, Sarah, dealt with her disappointments by using Hagar as a means to an end. Instead of seeing her as a person to be loved, she became a problem to solve—and then someone to cast aside. We may not see ourselves as powerful, but we do the same in subtle ways: using anger to control our children, dismissing coworkers as lazy, or elevating ourselves by diminishing others. What would it look like to confront the quiet ways we misuse power and begin restoring our view of every person through the humble, self-giving love of Jesus’ cross?

It’s easy to judge people in power based on headlines…“What a corrupt leader”...“What an egomaniac”...“I would never act like that.” Comparison can be deceptive. It blinds us to the quieter ways we misuse power in our own lives. In Genesis 16, we see a time when Abraham’s wife, Sarah, dealt with her disappointments by using Hagar as a means to an end. Instead of seeing her as a person to be loved, she became a problem to solve—and then someone to cast aside. We may not see ourselves as powerful, but we do the same in subtle ways: using anger to control our children, dismissing coworkers as lazy, or elevating ourselves by diminishing others. What would it look like to confront the quiet ways we misuse power and begin restoring our view of every person through the humble, self-giving love of Jesus’ cross?

God’s design for marriage is stated in wedding ceremonies like this: “The union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity.” While God’s purpose is wonderful, the reality can be painful. In Genesis 12, fear drives Abraham to protect himself at the expense of Sarah. The result is a marriage, not marked by trust, but by self-preservation. We see the same painful patterns today—spouses can too easily choose spats, too spitefully use silence, or too defensively build up walls instead of serving with a compassionate heart. Relationships can’t thrive when fear drives our focus, so how can we open our hearts to fight for love?