Thought for the day.
Once our relationship with God has been restored, we are called into His service: “[God] reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.…We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20). God has commissioned each of us to share with others his message of love and peace.
To move people toward a reconciled relationship with God may seem a daunting task, especially in our postmodern culture that exalts moral relativism and disdains absolute truth. But as Paul told the Corinthians, we must open wide our hearts, allowing God’s compelling love to flow through us to others (2 Corinthians 5:14, 6:11).
Here are some practical ways we can open our hearts and deliver God’s loving message of reconciliation to those who don’t even realize they’re searching for it:
1. Evangelism
When God provides an opportunity, share the message of reconciliation clearly with our words to lost, estranged people who desperately need peace with Him through Jesus Christ.
2. Online
Refuse to engage in divisive discussions on social media or to share divisive posts and tweets. We must choose instead to post comments about God’s goodness and faithfulness. Share the blessings we and our loved ones experience, and give God the glory.
3. Generosity
For example give a generous tip to a harried restaurant server. Explain that it’s a privilege to share God’s resources with others.
4. Listening
We need to seek to understand opposing viewpoints,(however don’t compromise),when people speak against the values we hold dear. Choose to listen rather than argue.
5. Thanksgiving
Send a handwritten note of thanks to people who impact our life, a mail carrier, doctor, or neighbour. Tell them why we consider them one of God’s blessings in our life.
6. Hospitality
Invite a neighbor or co-worker to share a meal with us. If we’re not a cook, we can meet at a restaurant or pick up food and bring it home. We need to express our appreciation and give God the glory for bringing that person into our life. We need to share experiences that point to our relationship with God.
7. Boasting in Christ
If someone compliments us on the way we handle a situation, we must glorify God by explaining that we sought His guidance in the matter. As we point to God’s work in our lives, the evidence of His grace, forgiveness, faithfulness, and attentiveness to us can create a hunger in other people’s hearts for such a relationship.
8. Scripture
We may also find it helpful to list the fruit of self (Galatians 5:19-21) and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) on our smartphone. Each day we can read the two lists and ask the Spirit to help us produce fruit compatible with our role as a minister of reconciliation. As conflicts, problems, and frustrations rise, look at the lists and pray for guidance.
Erick Bouwmeester
#lovebeyondchurch
#lovebeyondwordsministry
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