Ambassadors of God’s Love

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)

Words are powerful; they can serve to bring encouragement, comfort and compassion to others, or just as easily can tear them down, causing discouragement, pain and upset.  Through the example of Christ Jesus we’re called to be ambassadors of God’s love, letting His grace and mercy flow through us to others by way of our words, our decisions and our actions.

Let the Children Come to Me

“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” – Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)

When we seek the Kingdom of Heaven, it’s important to remember that we need to do so with the heart and spirit of a child; teachable, humble, without pride or arrogance, and open to the guidance of our Creator.  As little children look to their earthly parents for comfort, security and love, so must we look to our Heavenly Father in the same manner.

Let Your Light Shine

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

As followers of Christ, we’re called to not only follow in His example but to also share His light in our hearts with those around us.  When we allow Jesus’ love to permeate our daily lives and become a part of everything we do, His presence within us becomes obvious to those we interact with.  Letting the light of Christ be seen through our words, our decisions and our actions fulfills His desire for us, and glorifies God’s influence in our lives.

Teach Them Diligently

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)

Cultivating a love of the Lord in our children’s hearts is an important part of our role as parents.  And while instructing them in God’s Word is an integral part of that nourishment, we also need to remember that our children watch and emulate our words and actions as well.  The best way to raise God-loving, respectful, humble, giving children is to live our own lives that way.  Do you show your children the light of Christ each day, or is it “Do what I say, not what I do”?

Swamped by the Waves

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” – Matthew 8:23-27 (ESV)

Like the disciples in that boat, often in our lives it feels as if we’re in the center of a raging storm with no safe harbor in sight.  If we lay aside those fears and doubts and place our whole trust in Christ’s benevolent desires for us, those crashing waves and battering winds soon lose their strength.  In His loving embrace we can always find the peace and fortitude we need to face our worldly trials.