Unsung Heroes: Compassion of Philip — Wednesday
1 Thessalonians 2:2b
…our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly… (NLT)
I’ve got a good friend who works with me at Southland named Jim. Jim really likes to fish. Actually, let me rephrase that: Jim LOVES to fish. If you have a conversation with him, it doesn’t take too long for the subject to switch to fishing. He’s always telling me stories about his last tournament or his latest fishing trip. I’ll hear stories about the fish that got away… or the fish that didn’t. I’ll learn about the trouble he had with his boat or the type of lures he used. He gets so excited talking about fishing that it becomes contagious, and I’m hooked (pun intended).
In those conversations, I find myself thinking about getting a boat or shopping for fishing gear. I think about taking him up on offers to go fishing with him. His excitement about something he loves gets me excited, too.
This is how we were designed to speak about Jesus. When we look at the disciples going to prison or being beaten for sharing the good news about Jesus, this is why! They couldn’t help but talk about Him. Just thinking about what Jesus did for them gave them the courage and excitement to boldly tell everyone they met about His love and grace. And God has given you the same courage and boldness that He gave the disciples. We have the same gift of eternal life and the same Spirit inside us.
Yes, sharing your faith can be scary and overwhelming. How will they react? Will they think I’m weird? Will they still want to be my friend? Those are very hard and very real questions. But the risk is worth it!
Jim models this, too. I’ve seen him talk to contractors and college students about Jesus. I’ve seen him model God’s love to people and take time to pray with people in need. He loves Jesus, and He LOVES to talk about Him. I look up to Jim a ton. His love for Jesus (and fishing) and his excitement during our conversations inspire me to be bold in my faith as well. I may never have the desire to actually take up fishing… but I do long to love people and share that love of Jesus with others as well as Jim does.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Look for a chance to talk about your faith this week. And when God gives you an opportunity (which He will), be bold and courageous. Share with excitement what He has done for you and how He has changed your life.