READ: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
After visiting a homeless shelter, a group of teenagers couldn’t wait to express what they had experienced. Excitedly, they wrote about their visits with men and women of all ages who were poor and destitute.
One teen wrote: “I talked with a Vietnam vet and told him that in heaven he would have a new body. I was able to reassure him in his faith.”
Another said, “A guy named Michael showed me that even though he was living in a homeless shelter, having faith made all the difference.”
Still another wrote: “I talked with a man who had almost stopped believing in God. I tried to [encourage him in his faith].”
While desiring to share God’s message of reconciliation, these teens were surprised to find that some of the people already knew God. By cutting through the discomfort of their differences, the kids discovered people who needed the reassurance that God still cared for them. The teens’ roles changed from sharing the good news to guiding their new friends toward a deeper faith.
Being “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) opens doors of opportunity both to share the gospel and to strengthen the struggling. Seek out someone today who needs encouragement or “the word of reconciliation” (v.19).
Of truth and love and care,
And may we bring encouragement
As Your good news we share. —Sper
Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 16–18; Proverbs 1:8-19
