Thursday, August 27, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Numbers 1-4 | 2 Corinthians 2

As Christians, we want other people to have the same life-changing experience we did when we accepted Jesus. But the more we grow in our faith, the more we tend to forget what our lives were like before we became Christians. We can easily become grumpy curmudgeons, constantly spouting off what we're against and judging others who have not yet encountered Jesus.

This is the opposite of how Jesus interacted with those far from God. He spoke gently and lovingly to people. He was kind and filled with grace for others. He stuck to his convictions, and he didn’t sugarcoat the truth. He spoke the truth in love. 

He calls us to do the same thing. 

I am reminded of a song from my childhood, “They’ll Know We Are Christians (By Our Love).” The lyrics are based on a biblical verse from John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world you are my disciples.”

Both this song and verse tell us the best way to share our faith in Jesus is by walking alongside people and loving them. Not loving them once they turn to Jesus, but showing them love right where they are and pointing them toward Jesus. 

In the book, Defined: Who God Says You Are, the Kendrick brothers challenge us to let God’s love abound through us. We do this by being present, listening, and encouraging others. The Kendricks suggest simple actions, like sending a loving note or a follow up text, dropping off coffee to a friend, or giving someone flowers or a book, can make a huge difference in someone's life. 

These actions aren’t one sided. Trust me, it is amazing how much fun and joy you get from sharing simple acts of kindness with others. 

As Christians, the world is watching us. Some are waiting for us to judge and criticize them. We must remember that we are Christ’s ambassadors, and it is our privilege and calling to share the Gospel with the lost. We can do this by gently and lovingly pointing them to Jesus with a heart filled with grace and humility. 

2 Corinthians 5:20
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Questions:
How are you showing God’s love to others?

How can you point others to Jesus?

What does it mean to be Christ’s ambassador?

Next Steps:
Pray for an opportunity to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with someone else.

Do at least one act of kindness a day.

Leave a You Matter or thank you card with a good tip when you eat out. It is amazing to see the joy on your server's face when you say great job and thank you for taking such good care of you.

21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: For My Enemies 

Prayer: 
Lord, I pray for my enemies—those who have hurt me or wronged me in any way. I ask you to forgive them and to bless them with your grace and mercy. I pray you would soften their hearts and open their eyes to see the truth of your love. Heal our wounds and bitterness that have been caused by our conflict. Help me forgive them as you have forgiven me and love them as you have loved me. Lord, I pray that you would make us both instruments of your peace and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.