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We often think sharing the Good News is difficult. I used to think exactly that. “I don’t want to offend people,” I would tell myself. I feared rejection and embarrassment. What would people think?
Yet this is exactly what Jesus asked us to do.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
When my husband and I went on our first outreach with a group, I was fearful …. perhaps terrified! My mind was full of “what ifs.”
But we have a good God. Remember that verse above – “And surely I am with you always, …” He doesn’t abandon us in this.
We prayed and asked for a sign or a word of wisdom, and of course, He provided exactly what we needed. He highlighted people to us and led us to bless them and pray for them. No one rejected us.
God made a way.
We loved on people without forcing Jesus on them. It was gentle. It was kind. We listened. Then we asked permission to bless them. There was no yelling on street corners and no holding up placards – just genuine care and compassion.
Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”
John 4:35-38 (NKJV)
God asks us to sow the seed, or perhaps to water one that has already been sown. He will send someone else to fertilize it. We may never see the outcome of what we’ve done, but He does. God is the One who makes the seed grow.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)
In reality, God could do all of this Himself. Yet He chooses to invite us to be part of it. What a privilege. How wonderful that we are given the honour of co-labouring with Him, even in the smallest ways.
There are so many opportunities around us. Sometimes we simply need to slow down and listen to that still, small voice. To notice the people in front of us and what is unfolding in their lives.
We must also remember to love people in practical ways. For someone who is homeless, the offer of food or a drink demonstrates genuine care. If a person is suffering, we ask if we can help. Offering a blanket or a jumper in cold weather is often deeply appreciated by someone living in poverty.
I think The Message translation captures this beautifully:
Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup – where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
James 2:14-17 (MSG)
Faith isn’t just something we speak – it’s something we live.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for inviting us to be part of what You are already doing in the world. Help us to listen for Your gentle voice and notice the people You place in our path. Give us courage to love well, not just with words, but with kindness and action. Lead us in simple, grace-filled ways to reflect Your heart today.
Amen.
Activation
Today, ask God to open your eyes to one opportunity to show His love in a practical way. It might be offering a kind word, listening without rushing, providing a meal, praying for someone (with their permission), or meeting a simple need you notice.
Don’t worry about the outcome, just take the step. Trust God to do the growing.
Thank you so much for reading this Jesus 4 Generations post. If it encouraged you, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit. I’d also love to hear from you – how have you seen God at work through small, simple acts of faith?
Until next time, God bless you!
All Bible Verses sourced from BibleGateway.com
Jesus 4 Generations 
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