Be the change

Part of change for our future begins with us, individually. We have to change too! We have to be forgiving, we have to extend patience, we have to be willing to reach across the aisle to teach and love the way God calls us to love one another. This is referenced over and over in scripture. Here’s just a few:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13, NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
(John 13:34-35, NIV)

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

We have a responsibility as followers of Christ to make the first move. It can be small gestures!  Smile with your eyes when masked, people will feel that warmth! Smile when not masked! Ask a stranger how they are! A quick, “How’s it going today?” will work nicely if you’re not in a rush. Wish a stranger a great day! Offer to take the cart back to the store, offer to pay for someone’s coffee, or just make a space for someone to merge ahead of you with a smile. Help the process of healing by making the first move beyond the lines of division. Find a way to let others who don’t look like you know, “I’m approachable.” These are just ice breakers to chisel walls and loosen hesitation. It’s just a start! We have to begin somewhere and people who claim to love the Lord are responsible for facilitating Godly interactions. 

Let’s pour out love to all of God’s people when the opportunity presents itself. You may take someone by surprise and change the trajectory of their lives. God is able! May He use us to complete His work. 

​Nikkie💕

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