Tell It Like It Is

Do you tend to greet people when passing on the sidewalk, while walking in the park, etc., or do you keep quiet and don’t establish eye contact?
Do you remember the song “Let There Be Peace On Earth”? What thoughts and feelings does this song stir up? This song can be a prayer to God with the key thought being “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!”

Several years ago Bob Goff wrote a book entitled Love Does. It beautifully makes the case that our faith should move us to actions that reflect God’s love for people. It is a motivating book for us in our daily walk with God and with the people we encounter.

We have great examples in the Bible of reflecting God’s love. In the book of Acts, we learn of the faithful woman of God named Dorcas. As we begin to read the account, we are sad to find out she has died (more on that soon). Her friends and neighbors had gathered to support one another and to recall the many acts of kindness they had received from Dorcas. The Bible says she was “always doing good and helping the poor.” Those who gathered were crying and had brought robes and other examples of clothing Dorcas made for them. Such a kind woman! She definitely made an impact on the people around her, and the fact that we are talking about her today demonstrates that she is still an influence in people’s lives! That includes you and me.

The exciting conclusion to this account is that God was not finished with Dorcas’ service to her community. Using Peter, a faith leader, God brought Dorcas back to life! The Bible says that many people believed in the Lord because of this event. You can read the entire story in Acts 9:36-43.

Another woman who was ostracized by her community because of her lifestyle, was alone at a well drawing water when Jesus engaged her in conversation. He brought up, and she acknowledged, her sinful lifestyle. Jesus didn’t stop there. He went on to talk about forgiveness, God’s love, and His desire to claim her as His redeemed child of God. She took it to heart and believed. But she did not hide it in her heart. She shared Jesus’ message with many other people in the community. The Bible says many people believed because of this event. You can read the whole story in John 4:4-10 and then 39-42.

We are blessed by God in our relationship with Him. We are blessed to be a blessing to those around us and reflect God’s love for all people as we tell what He has done through his son, Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, may we be a shining light to the nations, a shining light to the peoples of the earth; ‘till the whole world sees the glory of your name; May Your pure light shine through us! May we bring a word of hope, a word of life ‘till the whole world knows there's salvation through Your name.

May Your mercy flow through us. May we be a healing balm, for our neighbors near and far. May Your healing flow through us! May we sing a song of joy, a song of praise, till the whole world rings with the praises of Your name. May Your song be sung through us! In Jesus name, Amen!
adapted from the song “Song for the Nations” by Chris Christensen