“A Christian in his surroundings should encourage everyone to be better, instead of being the one who stoops to be like everyone else.” Walking with the Savior~Max Lucado
We are called to be an example, and we are called to encourage!
1 Timothy 4:12 ESV “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
I love this scripture!
Let no one despise you for your youth! What my pastor would call your BC!!! Before Christ! Even if many of us knew our Lord growing up, loving the Lord, sitting in his sanctuaries on Sunday mornings by choice. We still probably went through rebellious ages and stages where we didn’t set a good example. I know I fit that bill!
What about the ruthless sinner, the bully you grew up with, the boss who cheated you, the partner who hurt you, the liars, the swindlers, the users and abusers, the thieves and murderers?
Are they allowed a BC…Jesus thinks so, and so should we!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.”
The new version, the new walk, the new world within Christ can feel as foreign as your first day of any new adventure. Mistakes will be made, new lessons in faith will be learned, and stumbling and tripping can still and will happen!
Now what? Do we sit in judgment of others? Do we get discouraged? Do we think they will never change, or I can’t do this? It’s too hard; I will never change. Do we stop and go back to what was comfortable?
NO!!!
Psalm 37:23 NLT “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Philippians 4:13 NIV “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
We must start looking at ourselves and those around us through the Lord’s eyes! He believes in us. He Loves us. His word shows us the way, strengthens, and encourages us every day!
We should try and reflect that love on those around us! Be an encouragement, not a stumbling block. Offer hope and faith when a brother, sister, or friend is struggling with theirs!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT “So encourage each other and build one another up, just as you are already doing.”
Remember, believers, we are to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
It’s a new day and a brand new start! Lamentations 3:23 NLT “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” ❤️
And with that, go out and have a blessed day, and thank you for spending a few moments in Sunshine! ☀️❤️☺️
Sunshine On My Shoulder 