In a lost and fragmented world, we are often reminded that Christians are the living gospel of Christ. Our lives, our words, and our conduct should be a demonstration of the love, grace, and truth of Jesus and proof of how He changes hearts. How We Can Embrace Our Role as Christ's Living Gospel.
Understanding Our Role
Knowing Our Place 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 says, "You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men;illus. You are a letter of Christ, the fruit of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." These verses reiterate to us that our own lived-out lives are the greatest witness of Jesus and His work in us. Yes, we are letters; their meaning is to be read plainly by all men, proof of the thing that Jesus did in His passion. Reflecting The Character Of Christ
Reflecting Christ's Character
To be the living Gospel of Christ, we need to try our best to reflect His character in everything that we do. According to Galatians 5:22-23, Scripture calls them the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We should see these qualities in our scrolls with others, managing trials, and thereby prepare every single daytime. When we allow these character traits to become who we are, we show the life-changing power of Christ dwelling in us.
Living Out the Great Commission
Because the Great Commission was to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This command applies to all of us and we should be revealing Jesus through word and deed as often and as best as we are able. We had so many chances; most of them take the form of those little conversations we have in person, helping others when they least expect it, or just living lives that allow people to ask what all this "faith stuff" is about. Showing the Love of Jesus Love in Action
Demonstrating Love in Action
Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God and then secondly is to show love to others (Matthew 22:37-39). We demonstrate His love most of all, in how flava-flav we are with our brothers and sisters. The expression of Christ's love for us should be a missionary to a dying world. It could be random acts of kindness, mercy, forgiveness, or selflessness. When we love others in this way that is described, the very Gospel of God comes alive and becomes so loud, another whole level of communication from Jesus! Testifying Our Testimony
Overcoming Obstacles to Obedience
Our lack of obedience can be driven by many things: fear, doubt, self-centered wishes, etc. Against this, we need to have confidence in the power and grace of God. Philippians 4:13 assures us that "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Keeping on track for things against adversities may involve praying, seeking friends who may offer support, and constantly reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness.
Sharing Our Testimony
We all have a different story of how Jesus changed our lives. In Revelation 12:11, we read they overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. When we share our own stories of grace and forgiveness and change post meeting God they shake up the world in ways no amount of bible bashing ever will. Our stories show that God loves every kind of person and is powerful and ever-present in life. Walking in Integrity
Walking in Integrity
Obviously, being Christ's living Gospel has as a hallmark of behavior INTEGRITY. Real change means making our actions match what we say, and living the values we claim to have. Titus 2:7-8 "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned." In truth, integrity helps to establish trust and credibility that, in turn, alters our witness for Christ. Providing Hope and Encouragement
Offering Hope and Encouragement
We live in a world filled with despair and discouragement; but Christians are to be bearers of hope, encouragement. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." As we share our hope in Christ and ways to encourage others, we redirect people to the hope that is eternal and everlasting. Grace and Truth
Engaging with Grace and Truth
Jesus demonstrates the perfect blend of grace and truth (John 1:14). And Thus as His Ambassadors, we Must as Well. This looks like telling the truth in love, showing grace to others, and standing solidly in our beliefs while extending kindness and empathy. Grace and truth together allow us to redeem our way through any complex situation, any challenge before us--in a manner where we help fulfill Christ's promise of salvation for all.
Conclusion
Christ is depending on us as His living Gospel to the world. We live with lives full of love, honor, hope, and the fruit of the Spirit as powerful testimonies to what Jesus can do. We can bring the world around us into change for His praise by mirroring Christ, testifying, and holding fast to the Great Commission. Learn this calling with delightfully devotion so that those around us may find the love of Christ and transform your life.