If you were to interview people about why they follow Jesus, you’d find the answers vary, but I believe more people follow Jesus out of hope than out of fear.
I love that the message of the gospel makes clear there is one version of truth: The weak are to be defended. The poor and isolated should be welcomed and helped.
Our enemies are to be loved and given a chance. Peacemaking is better than troublemaking. Doing the right thing, even if it is difficult, is better than doing what’s easiest.
Comfort is available to the hurting, healing to the sick, freedom to those in bondage—and children must be protected at all costs.
Micah 6:8 tells us:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV).
Reflect + Pray
1. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Are you living in a way that upholds and celebrates these truths?
2. Write down some of the Beatitudes you struggle to remember, and meditate on and pray over one each day this week.
3. Ask the Lord for a spirit of hope and encouragement to infuse all your interactions and conversations this week.
4. November 3 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Lift up Foursquare missionaries who serve in areas of the world where believers are being persecuted for their faith. Download the FMI monthly prayer guide.
Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.
