The Body Of Christ

 

 

At salvation, you become a part of the body, no matter what your local church's membership rules may be. By receiving the Savior, a person is made one with Jesus. Therefore, if you're a believer, you are a breathing and active part of Christ, who is at work on earth through His followers. The church is Jesus' feet to carry the gospel message, His arms to care for those in need of love, and His hands to uphold the weak.

Christ's physical body underwent terrible pain and persecution. His church body cannot expect a cozy, easy existence either. Being Jesus to the world means making sacrifices, accepting ridicule, and loving our enemies (Heb. 13:16, Matt. 5:44). God called us to spread the gospel, but that doesn't mean people always like what we have to say. Sin and accountability aren't popular messages. Yet being trendy and well liked is not the point. We're here to carry out the work and mission of God, even when doing so is uncomfortable.

The spiritual makeup of the church is linked to its mission. The gospel cannot be spread except through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ, the head. The body of believers is united with Him through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. He reaches the world through His church and its members. 

~From Pastor Charles Stanley, Intouch Ministries, intouch.org

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Let No One Limit You

 

We spend energy trying to love others, care for others, and tell others about Jesus. But when that energy is met with closed hearts and open hostility, we walk away and keep going.

We keep sharing God’s love. We keep doing God’s work. We keep doing what’s good.

It’s okay to limit relationships that limit you. While we are challenged to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), and go the extra mile for others, we’re also encouraged not to throw our pearls to pigs—meaning that we can’t spend all of our energy on those who won’t receive our love in the first place.

So, today, consider any relationships that you might need to deep clean. Then, spend time praying about how you can set some loving boundaries.

Pray: God, thank You for Your truth. Show me any relationships in my life where I need to set boundaries, and give me the wisdom to know what those boundaries are and the courage to stick to them. Help me become a better friend to those in my circle, and show me which relationships to invest my energy in. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

 

~From Deep Clean: Getting Rid Of Shame, Toxic Influences, And Unforgiveness Devotional on YouVersion

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!