How wonderful indeed is our NOW WORD! It is evidence that the precious Holy Spirit Himself is speaking to prayer groups across the renewal - .the same message everywhere, building a tapestry, and we are all a part of His work. God has His hand on our Catholic Charismatic Renewal, have no doubt about that. It's beginning to RAIN! The FIRE is falling!
SHARE YOUR FAITH: It has often been said that "we are the only Bible some people will ever read." Wow! What a responsibility for the body of Christ - to live the gospel message of Jesus as if someone else's life depended upon it! In like manner, we have heard it said to "preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words." How do we then "share our faith?" To answer that question, let us ask another "What Would Jesus Do?" Jesus shares His faith by:
- Relentlessly pointing towards His Father in Heaven.
- Always speaking of the Father's love.
- Forgiving unconditionally.
- Loving unconditionally.
- Remaining all inclusive at all times (the Jew and the Gentile, the slave and the free, the lovable and the unlovable).
- Giving His very life for those He loved.
TEACH IN LOVE: We share our faith by living and loving as Jesus lived and loved. As He lived, died and arose, Jesus "majored in love." What does this mean, to "major in love?" Jesus often asks us to lay down our lives for others, not by dying for them, but by living for them! This is done in many meaningful ways:
- Making our spouse, children and family our first place of ministry and a "Kingdom Priority."
- Spending time in prayer for someone.
- Giving of our time, talents, love and understanding for a brother or sister in need.
- Laying down our own selfish desires to meet someone else's physical, spiritual or emotional needs.
- Never expecting a reward or repayment for our efforts.
- Being available at all times as an "Ambassador for the Kingdom."
- Forever yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
In this way, we "teach in love," laying down our life to please God instead of ourselves. God may never call us to travel the oceans and become a missionary in a distant land, but He may call us to go next door! He is not looking for great "ability," but for our "availability." Love doesn't require greatness; love makes us great. Jesus told us that the sum of the law and commandments is love. Nothing will stop the flow of God's supernatural power quicker than breaking the commandment of love. Yes, dear friends, we must always "share our faith" by "teaching in love." Love is the key. Without love, our walk with Jesus holds little value - for ourselves, or others.
The day I wrote this article, the reading from one of my favorite devotional books, God Calling, was titled, "Walk in My Love." God's timing is always so perfect, isn't it? That beautiful passage ended this way: "Beyond all words is my love and care for you. Be sure of it. Rejoice in it. Walk in my love. These words mean much. There is a joy, a spring, and a gladness in the walk of those who walk in my love. That walk becomes a glad conquering and triumphant march. So walk."
Yes, indeed, we may be the only Bible that someone else will ever read. Let us make certain that the pages are filled with love!
