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The holidays can be a special time to spend with family and friends, celebrating a common faith. But if you share the family table with unbelievers, it may be a difficult time - yet we can find peace and guidance in the Word of God. We are called to love (John 15:12-13). God Himself is love (1 John 4:8) and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and Jesus is one with God (John 1:18).
The Bible is a blueprint for ministering to the lost and broken. The holidays are no exception. We don’t have to guess how we should interact with those who do not share our faith, nor do we have to face this challenge on our own. Jesus shows us, both in the Word and with His very life, how to minister to unbelievers. Here are four things we are called to in the Word.
We are to be salt (Matthew 5:13). We are called to have a positive influence on the world. We are to unbelievers what salt is to food. If a seasoning adds no flavor, it has no value, appeal, or effect. We must make every effort to live pure lives as part of our witness to the world–and pray that others desire to know God’s Son.
We are to be light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14). Can you hide the lights of a city on a hill? Of course not. Its lights can be seen for miles! Likewise we are to shine with the reflection of Christ, a radiance that emanates from the presence of Christ within our hearts. God desires that we be beacons of truth in a dark and needy world.
We are Jesus’ ambassadors to the world (Matthew 20:18-20). We are His witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are to live alongside and share the gospel with unbelievers. Our challenge is to live in the world and not be influenced by it.
We are protected and enabled by God (John 17:6-18). In His prayer before going to the cross, Jesus asked our heavenly Father to give us protection as He left us in the world and sent us into the world. Christ wants us to make a difference in the world where we live, and He is watching over us as we do.
Christ is no longer physically present on earth, but you reflect Him and His light to those in darkness as you bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truthfulness. You are blessed as a child of God!
God, I want to love others well. I want to be a true reflection of you during the holiday season. I want to be a person who lives my life in You and for You. I know that I don't have it all together, but I will walk in the steps of the one who does. Thank you for giving us the example of Jesus and thank You for giving me Your strength so that I too can love well. Amen.
In A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus, Elizabeth asks, "Where better can we learn about right character and conduct than Jesus Himself?"
There is much we can learn from this perfect life example: His generosity in caring for the needs of others, the abundance of His kindness and forgiveness even to His enemies, His persistence in watching over His own, and His willingness to give His all even though He had nothing.
What are some ways that you can show God's love to unbelieving family members during this holiday season? What answers or resources do you find most useful to help overcome skepticism about the faith?
Your assignment from God is to pray, to keep on praying no matter what, and to trust God.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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