A life is not important except in the impact it has on others. (Jackie Robinson) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT) The impact of our lives may best be seen in the kindness we show others - in the expression of love we give to others or bring into situations where hurt and harm have been prevalent. Let's be honest here - there are a whole lot of harmful and hurtful things happening around us each and every day. We might be right smack dab in the middle, or we could be observers on the sidelines. Either way, we have the opportunity to bring God's love into that situation by being examples of his tenderhearted kindness and love. Where bitterness abounds, you might just see anger, harsh words, or even hurtful lies being spread. The root of bitterness combined with one's ...
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NLT) Open declaration sure differs from silent belief, doesn't it? I am not a 'stand on the street corner, repent or burn' kind of gal, but I do try to live my life in such a way that others can see Jesus through me. I am always ready to give an answer for the "hope I have as a believer, always be ready to explain it." (I Peter 3:15) My open declaration of faith was the day I was baptized - not as a child in the arms of my parents, but as an adult. While I don't always 'talk about Jesus', I do hope there is evidence of the work he has and is still doing in my life. Can others see Jesus in you? Do they know there is 'something different' about you that draws them to Christ, or is ...