[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Preach a Silent Sermon" - Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Sun Jul 4 10:44:55 UTC 2021

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We apologize for the error found in the scripture and have corrected it.
Thank you for your understanding. God Bless

Preach a Silent Sermon
As a follower of Christ, you understand the importance of  sharing your faith, because God has commissioned all His children to do so. The Bible says in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” However, many Christians interpret this verse as if God were only referring to strangers. But sometimes our greatest witness is within our own homes or close circle of friends. Whether you are aware of it or not, people all around you are watching your every move, especially your loved ones! What you do, what you say, and how you act all speak volumes about who you are, and more importantly, who you serve. It doesn’t matter if you go to church faithfully every week and are the most active member, it still comes down to your daily words and actions. Are you kind and considerate? Do you treat people with respect? Does your life reflect a true Christian character? Or, once you leave the church parking lot is your true self revealed? Are you rude to the person who just cut in line? Do you have a sarcastic comment when you feel slighted? Do you gossip about others? Whether you know it or not, your character is revealed in every circumstance. Ask yourself, “Am I painting an accurate picture of Christ in all that I do and say?” Matthew 5:16 tells us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” It can be especially challenging when witnessing to those you love. You wouldn’t dream of telling a stranger they were lying, but think nothing of telling your brother, “You’re a liar! You just told your boss that you’re sick, but you know we’re playing golf today.” It’s understandable since you “know” your friend or loved one that you speak to them differently than you would a stranger. But here’s something important to remember when witnessing: not even your best friend wants you to point out their sins. And most of the time, there’s no need because they already know what they’re doing wrong; they don’t need you to remind them. Naturally, everyone wants their friends and family to love them. So what do you do when those you love haven’t given their hearts to Jesus? And even more sensitive is when they “profess” to be Christians, but are not living godly lives. What do you say to them? How do you treat them? How do you witness when they are committing adultery, lying, stealing, and openly breaking God’s Ten Commandments? And the answer is simply this: just love them! You are not the Holy Spirit and it’s not your responsibility to convict hearts. That's God’s job. There's only one Savior–and that’s not you! God didn’t call us to witness by condemning each other. One of the fastest ways to turn people away from God is by pointing out their sins and appearing to be holier than they are. That just pushes them further away, and it won’t help your personal relationship grow closer either. The Bible says very clearly in Ephesians 4:2, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” And in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, we’re told, “Love is patient, love is kind . . . it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” If you want to witness to those you love then preach a “silent sermon” through your loving words and actions, and most of all, allow them to see Jesus in you. Text: Matthew 5:16, 1 Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 18:19, Ephesians 5:1

Bible Texts:
Matthew 5:16 NKJV - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV - Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

Proverbs 18:19 NKJV - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. 

Ephesians 5:1 NKJV - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

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