Sharing by Caring

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading titled, Sharing by Caring, was written by Patricia Rabin. The young pastor prayed every morning, asking God to use him that day to bless someone. Then to his delight, such a situation arose. One day, during a break at his second job, he sat in the sunshine with a co-worker who asked him about Jesus. The pastor simply answered the other man's questions, no rant, no arguing. The pastor commented that being guided by the Holy Spirit led him to have a casual talk that felt effective but loving. He made a new friend as well, someone hungry to learn more about God. Letting the Holy Spirit lead us is the best way to tell others about Jesus. He told his disciples in Acts chapter 1, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses. Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23 reads, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Living under the Spirit's control, that young pastor put into practice what Peter instructed in 1 Peter chapter 3, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect. Even if we suffer for believing in Christ, our words can show the world that his Spirit leads us. Then our walk will draw others to him. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Galatians chapter 5 verses 14-15 and 22-26. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command, Love your neighbor as yourself. If you bite and devour each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other. Now picking up at verse 22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Let's pray. Lord, as we tell others about you, please lead us, Holy Spirit, to speak with your love. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Joyce Dinkins, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.