There is a manner in which we are to walk in our calling.  We are all ministers of reconciliation (2 cor 5:18) and have been given the great commission (Matt 28:18). It is a great responsibility to carry the Good News of Jesus Christ and should not be taken lightly.  You have been chosen to receive a magnificent gift.  How we share that gift has the power to change lives forever.

From prison, Paul reminds us of 6 things:

1. Humility – We only have the gift of Christ and our calling because God chose to give it to us not because of anything we have done.
2. Gentleness – Our walk does not require us to force feed anyone the Gospel. Gentleness is required as some have been hurt by judgement and legalistic tactics to try to produce righteousness
3. Patience – The timing of a person’s faith is crafted by God, not by us.  We must learn trust that God has every detail covered.  We simply walk faithfully and He will reveal truth in His timing.
4. Forbearance – Let’s face it, those that have been hurt repeatedly can be hurtful themselves.  Living in unity with believers requires forbearance.  There are immaturities, nativities, and annoying habits that we must look past.
5. Love – Love is required to do the 4 things above.  A love for God, His mission, and His people.
6. Unity – We must seek and preserve unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  A desire for everyone to know you’re right is often the greatest destroyer of unity.  Jesus prayed that we might be one even as He and His Father are one.  You can’t get any more unified than that!

Personal Reflection:

What area(s) above do you struggle with the most?  Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Matthew 28:18.  How does God’s purpose for us in these passage help equip us to overcome those struggles?

Prayer Focus:

As I think about all these 7 Hows of walking out your calling, I am reminded of our dear brother and sister in Christ, Saeed and Naghmeh Abedini.  Headlines have abounded, comments have been hurled.  What is needed in this time are these 7 manners above.  We must continue to support them in Love, Unity, Forbearance, Patience, Gentleness, and Humility and refrain from taking sides or casting judgements.  They are in a great spiritual battle and need the reinforcements of our prayers more than ever.

Heavenly Father, you alone are our source of strength.  From you comes the help we need.  Please instill deeply these 7 attributes in our walk with you.  Lord, we cry out to you on behalf of our dear friends Saeed and Naghmeh.  May there be healing that abounds, resulting in your glory and even greater testimony of your great love; in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, Amen!