Show Jesus to Your Community

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. — Hebrews 10:23-24 ESV

The early Christian church was founded as a way for believers to come together to encourage one another, discuss the teachings of Jesus, and find ways to be salt and light in their communities. Believers didn’t meet together just to be seen or because it was the thing to do. They went because they were on fire for Jesus. They wanted desperately to become more like Him, and they needed reminders and encouragement to stay on the right path.

They became known for their good deeds and the love they showed everyone — especially for those on whom society had turned their backs. They didn’t just give money each week and call it good. They went out into their communities and got their hands dirty. And then they challenged each other to do more. Let’s show our communities what the love of Jesus looks like.

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You Are Able to Love Others

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Jesus doesn’t let us sing some hymns and go to Bible study each week and say we’re done. He challenges us to do more and be better. He dares us to be bolder and braver and to love harder. He urges us to step outside of our comfort zones to care for one another in the middle of our messy lives and emotions.

Jesus was human too. He knows how we feel and what our weaknesses are. But He also knows what we are capable of. He doesn’t ask us to do anything that we can’t do. So when the Bible tells us to “love one another” and to “outdo one another in showing honor,” we can be confident that those are things we can absolutely do.

How will you rise to the challenge today?

Excerpted with permission from You Are Essential copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

You are essential! You were created to love God and love others. Someone needs your love today! Whom will you love? Come share with us! ~ Devotionals Daily