What Picture of God Does Your Life Paint
2 Corinthians 3:2
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.
Thought:
Paul told the Corinthians that their lives were like letters that people could read. Long before most people open a Bible, they watch those who claim to belong to Jesus. Your reactions, your tone, your choices, and your relationships are all preaching something about what you truly believe God is like. The Pharisee’s life and prayer suggested a God who is impressed by human achievement and who favors those who can look down on others. The publican’s life and prayer displayed a God who is holy yet merciful, a God who receives broken sinners who come honestly to him. Both men claimed to approach the same God, but yet they showed two very different representations of him.
The same is true of us. In your home, at work, in your neighborhood, what kind of God do people see through you? Do they see a God who is harsh, proud, and impossible to please when you are critical, cold, and self righteous? Or do they see a God who is patient, forgiving, and gracious when you admit your wrongs, seek forgiveness, and show compassion? You may be the only living sermon some people will ever hear. I pray our lives would agree with the Gospel we proclaim. Ask the Lord to remove anything in you that distorts his image so that others can see Christ more clearly through your words and actions.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, make my life a clear letter that points people to you and not to me. Forgive me for the moments when my pride, anger, or hypocrisy has misrepresented your character. Fill me with your Spirit so that my words, attitudes, and responses reflect your mercy and grace. Let those who watch my life see a Savior who is kind, patient, and ready to forgive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men.
Thought:
Paul told the Corinthians that their lives were like letters that people could read. Long before most people open a Bible, they watch those who claim to belong to Jesus. Your reactions, your tone, your choices, and your relationships are all preaching something about what you truly believe God is like. The Pharisee’s life and prayer suggested a God who is impressed by human achievement and who favors those who can look down on others. The publican’s life and prayer displayed a God who is holy yet merciful, a God who receives broken sinners who come honestly to him. Both men claimed to approach the same God, but yet they showed two very different representations of him.
The same is true of us. In your home, at work, in your neighborhood, what kind of God do people see through you? Do they see a God who is harsh, proud, and impossible to please when you are critical, cold, and self righteous? Or do they see a God who is patient, forgiving, and gracious when you admit your wrongs, seek forgiveness, and show compassion? You may be the only living sermon some people will ever hear. I pray our lives would agree with the Gospel we proclaim. Ask the Lord to remove anything in you that distorts his image so that others can see Christ more clearly through your words and actions.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, make my life a clear letter that points people to you and not to me. Forgive me for the moments when my pride, anger, or hypocrisy has misrepresented your character. Fill me with your Spirit so that my words, attitudes, and responses reflect your mercy and grace. Let those who watch my life see a Savior who is kind, patient, and ready to forgive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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