Someone Please Tell Them!

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 10:1-17 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.10.1-17.NLT

There is an ongoing discussion among followers of Christ about how the good news is shared.  Some give priority to our acts of service, hospitality, and compassion.  For others, it is all about the opportunity to speak and share the word of God with people in a way they can hear.  

The truth is it is some of both.  Words and actions.  Both are essential in communicating the gospel.  The practical challenge is that we shy away from the words, hoping that actions are enough to communicate God’s love. 

The Apostle Paul makes a really great point.  “And how will they hear about him unless someone tells them?”  This question needs fresh focus and consideration in culture today.  

God has brought the very best news through Jesus Christ to all of us.  Everyone can be made right with God. Everyone can contribute to a meaningful life that loves and lasts forever. Everything is being renewed.  Jesus forgives and invites us into a full relationship that gives life forever.  

Reflection

Why have we become cautious about sharing this great news of God with anyone and everyone?  Sure, we have seen horrible examples of manipulation and solicitation that turns the sharing of this gospel into another’s sales pitch or ask for money. These abuses should not stop you and me. 

Let’s share the good news of God with a love and genuineness that is authentic.  Be clear and kind.  Give opportunity for people to draw in.  Combine words with actions, creating amazing experiences for people to hear God’s good news with the opportunity to respond to it.

Encouragement

Share a cup of coffee with a friend and share God’s good news.  Love, forgiveness, and acceptance are in great need and demand today.  Don’t focus on religion.  Focus on a restored relationship, unconditional love, forgiveness freely given by Jesus Christ to anyone who believes.  

Rediscover the good news in God.  Hold it in your head and heart.  Ask God to cultivate anticipation with who you can share His love next.  

Prayer

Father God, forgive us when we go silent with our words and withhold the best news in the world from others who need to hear it.  Help us reclaim an intentional heart and mind to share with people who need to hear it.  Holy Spirit, guide us in sharing in a way that reflects the gracious love of God. Jesus, thank You for making this possible through Your life, death, sacrifice, and resurrection. 

Sharing the good news in Your name, Amen

Talkers Beware!

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 18:21 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.18.21.NLT

Words, conversation, speeches, storytelling, and table talk have one thing in common.  They contribute to death or life in this world. 

We don’t often think of the power of words and speech in such significant terms.  Often, we justify our words with phrases like “They are too sensitive!”, “I have a right and freedom to speak my mind.”  To the talkers out there (I am including myself in this notable bunch), these words remind us of the significant impact words can have on others.  The stakes are high.  The consequences are matters of life and death.  

God’s words include life, abundance, truth, forgiveness, justice, honesty, kindness, wisdom, love, hope, unity, mercy, and grace.  

Satan’s words focus on power, deceit destruction, trickery, manipulation, exaggeration, pride, self-sufficiency, division, and hate.

What is the source and intent of our words? Talkers beware. 

Reflection

Everyone knows that we have drawn words and speech from the good sources of God and the bad sources of Satan.  Following Jesus, we desire the good words of God.  We are challenged to let the Holy Spirit transform our speech from evil to good.  We are called to be giving life and abundance to those around us with our conversation. 

We also experience the reality of setbacks with our speech that create harm, and hurt, and point us towards death. This is a terrible thing to experience or witness.  

May we know the beautiful consequences of life-giving words.  May we also know the toxic consequences of speaking words that flow from the well of death and evil. With God’s help, may our words become more and more about life.

Encouragement

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NLT.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide speech.  Give life to others in your conversation.  

Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help all of us talkers understand what is at stake with our words. Holy Spirit please work with us on our conversation and speech. Please lead us in sourcing our minds and heart with inputs that lead to good words of life for everyone in this world.  

In Your name Jesus, we pray, Amen