Be a Foreigner: Living Differently for King Jesus

In her devotional You’re the Voice: 40 More Days with God, Christian artist Rebecca St. James posed a timeless question:

“Do people know we’re Christians by our actions and lifestyles? Can they see a love, joy, purpose, and hope that only come from knowing Jesus? Is there a noticeable difference in us? Most importantly, what does God see when He peers into our hearts? I pray He finds the bold declaration: ‘God reigns here!’”

The word “different” can feel intimidating. It means standing out, being distinct, not blending into the crowd. Our human instinct often pushes us to fit in, to avoid the discomfort of being noticed for our faith. Standing out as a Christian in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world can feel especially daunting.

Yet, the reality is sobering: for many of us, our lives don’t always reflect our faith. We scroll the same apps, binge the same shows, share the same memes, and chase the same trends as everyone else. Instead of boldly living for Jesus, we sometimes keep our faith private, tucked away for Sunday services or quiet moments of prayer. We might be willing to live passionately for God—but only if it doesn’t draw too much attention or invite criticism.

God calls us to something more. He calls us to be different in a way that’s impossible to hide. This difference isn’t just about attending church, joining a Bible study, or posting an occasional verse online. It’s a transformation that spills into every corner of our lives—how we speak, how we treat others, what we choose to value, and how we navigate a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. Being different means living out God’s will, every day, in every decision.

We talk a lot about God’s will, but living it? That’s where the challenge lies. Too often, we’re tempted to ask, “How close can I get to the world’s ways without crossing the line?” Instead of pursuing holiness, we flirt with compromise, trying to balance faith with fitting in. But that’s not the life God envisions for us.

The apostle Peter reminds us:

Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, CSB)

Being different isn’t just about our own spiritual health—it’s about the people around us. When we live too close to the world’s edge, we risk being pulled into desires that lead us away from God. These desires are dangerous, subtle weapons Satan uses to derail us. But when we choose to live distinctly, we become a living testimony. Our choices, our kindness, our integrity point others to God. Even if they don’t believe today, Peter says our different lives plant seeds that can lead them to glorify God when Jesus returns.

In 2025, what does it look like to live as a “foreigner” for Christ? It might mean curating your social media feed to reflect hope and truth rather than division or cynicism. It could mean showing grace in a heated online debate or prioritizing real-world relationships over screen time. It’s choosing to love and serve others, even when it’s inconvenient, and standing firm in your convictions, even when it’s unpopular.

So, I challenge you: Live as a foreigner. Don’t just talk about God’s will—embrace it. Let your life be a bold, unmistakable reflection of Jesus. Ask yourself:

• Does my daily life show I follow Christ?
• Am I chasing God’s will or my own comfort?
• Am I different in a way that draws others closer to Him?

Choose today to live differently. Let the world see that God reigns in your heart.

Clarity: Can I Trust the Bible?

Welcome back to our blog series, Clarity, where we’re building a Christian worldview to navigate life’s toughest topics. In our first post, we explored spiritual warfare, learning from Ephesians 6:10-20 that our role is to rely on God and stand firm. Now, we’re tackling a foundational question: Can I trust the Bible? If we’re going to lean on Scripture to shape our understanding of reality—whether it’s spiritual battles or daily decisions—we need confidence in its reliability. Let’s dive into this with humility, recognizing I’m not an expert but a fellow traveler piecing together insights from God’s Word and solid resources. (If you’d like to dig deeper, I’ll share some recommendations at the end.)

Where Do We Turn for Answers?

Think about how we handle questions today. In 2022, Americans googled everything from “What to watch?” (109 million searches) to “Where’s my refund?” (89 million) to “How many ounces in a cup?” (32 million). Google, Siri, and Alexa are our go-to problem-solvers. But as Christians, when we face questions about God, the world, or what it means to follow Jesus, we’re called to a different source: the Bible. It’s not just a book of ancient stories—it’s God’s guide for His people.

Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, puts it this way in 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Paul’s point? The Bible equips us with truth to live rightly—but only if we trust it. That’s why this question matters. Since much of our worldview hinges on Scripture, we need to establish its trustworthiness upfront.

Two Truths to Frame Our Approach

Before we dive into evidence, let’s anchor ourselves with two key truths about the Bible. First, as Dan Kimball writes in How (Not) to Read the Bible, “The Bible was written for us, not to us.” It’s God’s truth for His people, but we aren’t the original audience. Take Genesis 1:1—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Our modern picture of the cosmos differs from an Israelite’s 3,000 years ago. Or consider Leviticus, where bats are listed among unclean “birds”—their categories don’t match ours. When something feels confusing, it’s often a signal we’re missing the original context. That’s not a flaw; it’s an invitation to dig deeper.

Second, every word in our Bible is translated. From Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to English, teams of scholars labor to preserve the text’s meaning. Are nuances lost? Sometimes. But their commitment ensures we can trust the Bibles we hold. So, with these truths in mind—context matters, and translation is reliable—let’s explore why we can trust Scripture.

Three Lines of Evidence

To build confidence in the Bible, we’ll look at three pillars: manuscript evidence, archaeological evidence, and cohesion evidence.

1. Manuscript Evidence: A Wealth of Copies
   When evaluating ancient texts, scholars ask: How many copies exist, and how close are they to the originals? Compare the Bible to other ancient works. Caesar’s Gallic Wars? Ten manuscripts. Homer’s Iliad? 643. The Old Testament boasts over 11,000 manuscripts, while the New Testament has 5,700—far more than any ancient text. Even better, some New Testament manuscripts date within 100 years of their writing, while other classics were copied centuries later. With so many copies—fragments to full texts—scholars can cross-check them. The result? The New Testament is 99.5% accurate, and the Old Testament is remarkably consistent. This isn’t a game of telephone; it’s a carefully preserved record.
2. Archaeological Evidence: History Confirmed
   Archaeology keeps uncovering the Bible’s historical roots. Take the Mesha Stele, discovered in 1868 but newly analyzed in January 2023. This stone recounts King Mesha of Moab warring with Israel, aligning with 2 Kings 3, and mentions the “House of David” and Israel’s God. Or consider a 2007 find: a monument celebrating Hezekiah’s pools in Jerusalem, echoing 2 Kings 20:20. Then there’s a tiny lead tablet from Mount Ebal, excavated decades ago but only recently readable via CAT scan. Dated 1200-1400 BC, it bears a curse—“Cursed, cursed, cursed—cursed by the God YHW”—matching Joshua 8’s account. These are just snapshots; hundreds of discoveries affirm the Bible’s historical reliability.
3. Cohesion Evidence: A Unified Story
   Spanning centuries, penned by dozens of authors, the Bible tells one cohesive story: God’s plan to redeem creation through Jesus. From Genesis 3:15’s promise of a serpent-crusher to Genesis 12’s call to Abraham, from Israel’s role to Jesus’ arrival, and the Gospel spreading worldwide—it’s seamless. Its moral core—“Love God, love people”—threads through Old and New Testaments. God’s heart for Gentiles shines in both the prophets and Acts. This unity across time and cultures is extraordinary, a testament to divine guidance.

The Bible’s Living Power

Hebrews 4:12 adds another layer: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible doesn’t just inform—it reveals truth we’d miss otherwise. It shows us God, exposes the world’s brokenness, and unveils our own hearts. When we trust it, it shapes us into God’s people.

The Big Idea: Trustworthy Truth for Life

Here’s the takeaway: We can trust the Bible to give us the truth we need to live as God’s people. It’s not like other ancient books—its preservation, historical backing, and unified narrative set it apart. We can be confident this is the book God intended for us.

Your Challenge

So, what’s next? Find a Bible reading plan and start engaging with Scripture. Whether it’s a “Bible in a Year” plan or a slower dive into a single book, let God’s Word speak. It’s not just reliable—it’s alive, ready to guide you into truth.

Why This Matters for Our Worldview

In our Clarity series, we’re constructing a Christian worldview. Last time, we saw spiritual warfare requires reliance on God. Now, we’ve established the Bible as our trustworthy foundation. It’s not Google or cultural trends we turn to—it’s Scripture, revealing reality as God sees it. As we move forward, this confidence will anchor us through life’s tough topics.

Resources to Explore:

• How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball
• The Bible Project (videos and podcasts)
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

The First Step Toward God

“The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves and our neighbors and our universe.” — Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, p. 29

A World Drenched in Lies

We live in a world full of  lies. They zip through our news feeds, hum beneath casual conversations, and flash across billboards and screens. These lies are dangerous, whispering that we’re not enough—too flawed to be loved, too broken to be whole, too ordinary to make a difference. 

These lies  don’t stop at us; they bring harm to our communities, breeding suspicion and resentment among neighbors. They paint the universe as a cold, chaotic void, therefore we need to do what we can to find a little bit of joy in our lives. 

Yet, as Eugene Peterson so insightfully writes, the journey to God, and the life He created us to live, begins when we turn our backs on this chaotic noise and renounce the falsehoods we’ve swallowed whole.

Isaiah’s Unraveling Moment

Scripture offers a vivid picture of this turning point in the prophet Isaiah’s story found in chapter 6. Imagine the scene: Isaiah stands trembling before a vision of God—enthroned in splendor, His robe filling the temple, seraphim chanting “Holy, holy, holy.” The sight shatters him. “Woe is me!” he cries. “I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV). In that moment, Isaiah sees himself without a filter: a sinner, frail and unworthy, standing before infinite holiness. In spite of this new knowledge he doesn’t flee. Rather, Isaiah takes that first, courageous step toward God by confessing his sin.

Grace That Transforms

The next scene is nothing short of amazing. A seraphim (a type of heavenly being) lifts a glowing coal from the altar, presses it to Isaiah’s lips, and declares, “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7, ESV). This is the breathtaking promise of that first step: when we reject the lies and confess our need, God responds with grace—cleansing, restoring, redeeming. It’s a moment of divine work, turning shame into acceptance, despair into hope.

A Deliberate Shift

This step—away from the world’s distortions and toward God’s truth—isn’t a single, dramatic leap. It’s a slow, intentional shift, a reorientation of the heart that ripples through our lives. It demands we face hard truths: about the pride we’ve nursed, the envy we’ve harbored, the illusions we’ve built to feel secure. The lies we’ve believed—about our worth, our purpose, our neighbors—might feel like reality, helping us make sense of life. But they’re a blindfold intended to keep us living in the dark. To renounce them, as Peterson suggests, is to step into a wild, uncharted freedom—a life rooted in love, wisdom, and the gracious presence of God.

Echoes Across Scripture

Isaiah’s experience isn’t an anomaly. The Bible is filled with stories of these stories. Moses, a political fugitive, stood before a burning bush and heard God call him to lead (Exodus 3). David, a shepherd boy turned abuser and murderer, wept in Psalm 51 for a clean heart—and found it. Mary, a young woman of no status, said yes to an impossible calling (Luke 1:38). Paul, once a persecutor, met Christ on a dusty road and was remade (Acts 9). Each faced their own inadequacy, their own tangle of lies, and stepped toward God anyway. Each found Him waiting—faithful, gracious, redeeming.

The Courage to Keep Walking

This journey isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes courage to peel back the layers of deception we’ve worn like armor. It takes persistence to keep walking when the world’s noise crescendos again and again. But it’s worth it. 

As we move away from lies and toward God, we uncover a life unshackled from shame, bitterness, or isolation. We encounter a God who doesn’t just meet us once but guides us, step by step, into a reality truer and more beautiful than the world’s fleeting promises. So let’s take that first step today—however shaky, however small—and trust Him to lead us on.

Clarity: How do I Engage in Spiritual Warfare?

In a world that’s rapidly changing, where the United States has o entered what some call the “Post-Christian Era,” we’re faced with a sobering reality: most people no longer attend weekly worship services or affiliate with any religion. 

During the Great Depression, church attendance surged as people sought hope and meaning amid the financial hardship they experienced. Since the turn of the century we see the opposite happening: the rise of the “Nones”—those who claim no religious affiliation. This change in reality isn’t just a statistic; it’s our lived experience. We live alongside, work with, and are friends with, and have family whose worldview—the lens through which they interpret reality—differs drastically from our own.

This difference in worldview matters. It’s not that those with a different way of looking at the world are inherently “bad” or “evil”; it does mean they operate from a distinct moral framework, pursue a different purpose in life, and draw authority from sources other than the Bible. Understanding this is crucial if we’re to build meaningful relationships and share the Gospel effectively. 

I think it also forces us to confront a deeper question: What do I believe? If we’re to withstand constant challenges to our faith and communicate the Gospel clearly, we must know what we believe and why we hold those beliefs.

That is the purpose behind this blog series, Clarity: Thinking Clearly about Life’s Tough Topics. My goal isn’t to hand you a list of “correct” Christian answers to common questions, but to show how the Bible equips us to wrestle with some of today’s toughest issues. We should not see the Bible as an instruction manual with step-by-step fixes for life’s problems. Instead, it’s a guidebook, that helps us construct a worldview that makes sense of the world. And to kick off this journey, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked or misunderstood: spiritual warfare.

The Spiritual Reality We Can’t Ignore

Let’s be honest—there’s some wild stuff in the Bible. A talking serpent in Genesis 3? A cherubim wielding a flaming sword to guard Eden? The “sons of God” marrying the “daughters of man” and producing heroic offspring? That’s just the opening act! 

Flip to Job 1:6, where Satan walks into God’s presence, or 2 Kings 6, where invisible armies surround Elisha, or Daniel 10, where angelic beings battle behind the scenes. Then there’s Jesus, confronting demons throughout the Gospels. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the unseen—it insists there’s more to reality than what meets the eye.

This brings us to Ephesians, a letter from the Apostle Paul to churches in Asia Minor. This letter were intended to be shared among the different churches. One of the recurring themes in the letter is the spiritual realm. Paul mentions it repeatedly—six times, by my count (e.g., Ephesians 1:21, 3:10)—urging believers to recognize the cosmic conflict unfolding around them. He wraps up the letter with a rousing pep talk in Ephesians 6:10-20, outlining our role in this spiritual battle.  What wisdom does the Apostle have for us?

What Ephesians Teaches Us About Spiritual Warfare

Paul begins, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Our strength doesn’t come from within—it flows from our relationship with God. We’re powerless to withstand this spiritual warfare our own, but God equips us with His armor. Who is the enemy? Satan and his forces, scheming to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). They wield influence in this world, that is why Paul clarifies: our real fight isn’t against flesh-and-blood people but against these spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12).

So, what part do we play in this spiritual battle? We stand firm. The image we should have in our minds is that of the Roman army, famed for its unyielding formations. Soldiers locked shields, planted their feet, and thrust spears forward—armor only on the front because retreat wasn’t an option. United, they were invincible. Likewise, we stand together, relying on God’s power, not our own.

Paul details the armor we’re given: the belt of truth (living with integrity), the breastplate of righteousness (right relationships with God and others), shoes of the Gospel of peace (sharing the good news of King Jesus), the shield of faith (loyalty to God), the helmet of salvation (assurance of our security in Christ), and the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word, our only offensive tool). This isn’t just poetic imagery— it comes from Isaiah 59:17 where God puts on His armor to save His people, and now He shares this armor with us.

At the end we see that prayer ties it all together. Prayer is how we lean on God, aligning our hearts with His. Paul’s point isn’t to sensationalize spiritual warfare—naming demons or picking fights with cosmic powers—but to ground us in a simple, steady response: resist by standing firm.

Our Part in the Battle

So, what’s our role in this unseen conflict? 

First, we stand united. Ephesians 3:10-11 reveals God’s grand plan: the Church, diverse yet unified, showcases His wisdom to the spiritual realm, advancing His mission to restore creation. Our job isn’t to chase down demons but to live faithfully—loving, serving, preaching the Gospel, seeking reconciliation, and offering forgiveness. This is how we push back darkness.

Second, we pray. Yes, pray for physical needs and healing, but also for Kingdom priorities—wisdom, courage, and the expansion of God’s reign. Let Scripture shape your prayers; ask for boldness to carry His love into the world.

Third, we don’t overstep. Jude 1:8-10 warns against those who arrogantly challenge spiritual powers they don’t understand. Our only offensive weapon is God’s Word, not because we’re weak, but because victory isn’t ours to win—Jesus already secured it. We’re not meant to start cosmic showdowns. Even when confronting evil (like the demon-possessed in Acts 19:13-16), we rely on prayer and Jesus’ authority, not our own authority.

Standing Strong in a Cosmic War

The Bible offers a glimpse into a reality far bigger than human sin. It’s a cosmic rebellion against God, spilling into our physical reality. Our mission? Stay faithful. Clothed in God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—we resist evil’s advance. United and prayerful, we don’t just hold ground; we reclaim it for God’s Kingdom.

The big idea is simple yet profound: engaging in spiritual warfare means relying on God and standing strong in faith. Jesus won the victory; we spread the victory by making disciples. Every act done in His name—every kindness, every witness—pushes back the tide of evil. Our call is to remain faithful.

A Daily Challenge

Here’s your challenge: pray Ephesians 6:13-17 daily. Ask God to clothe you in His armor—not just for yourself, but for your whole church family. We all need it to stand firm. This isn’t a battle against people (though they may be pawns in the war), but against rebellious spiritual forces. Our response? Put on God’s armor every day and stand.

Closing Prayer

This week in our prayers let’s: (1) Thank God for new life in Christ. (2) Ask Him to clothe us in His armor. (3) Commit to stand firm. This is how we engage in the battle—not with fear or frenzy, but with faith, unity, and reliance on God’s strength.

Transformed by Grace: Transformed for Impact

Imagine standing before a narrow two-by-four stretched across the floor. You could walk it easily, eyes fixed on the path, step by steady step. Now picture that same board suspended ten stories high between skyscrapers, wind howling, a crowd watching below. Suddenly, your focus wavers—your heart races, you’re thinking about the fall, the noise, the stakes. That’s the power of focus.

Coach Jimmy Johnson shared this illustration with his Dallas Cowboys before the 1993 Super Bowl, facing intense pressure from the crowd, media, and a formidable opponent. He told them, “Don’t get distracted by the hype or fear of failure. Treat each play like practice, one step at a time.” They listened, stayed focused, and dominated, winning 52-17.

In Titus 3, the Apostle Paul delivers a similar message. In a world buzzing with distractions—divisive arguments, cultural pressures, and the temptation to blend into Crete’s corrupt society—he urges believers to keep their eyes on God’s grace, good works, and unity in Christ. Like those Cowboys, we’re called to walk the path God has laid out, undeterred by the chaos around us. When we anchor ourselves in His grace, we can live confidently, no matter how high the stakes.

The Purpose of Titus: Living Transformed Lives

Throughout our series, Grace that Transforms, we’ve seen Paul’s emphasis on right living in his letter to Titus. He’s passionate about Christians in Crete representing King Jesus well. This requires competent leaders teaching sound doctrine, awareness of false teachers, and an understanding that right living flows from right teaching. Each group—older men, older women, younger men, younger women, slaves—has a role in reflecting God’s grace. The core truth? We are people transformed by grace, and this transformation carries a responsibility to steward God’s gift faithfully.

Paul wrote this letter to bolster Titus’s authority as his apostolic representative in Crete, equipping him to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Titus wasn’t a pastor or bishop but Paul’s delegate, tasked with ensuring the churches lived out the gospel. This final chapter ties it all together, showing how grace transforms us to live for impact.

Examining Titus 3: Living Out Grace

Verses 1–2: Living as Good Citizens
Paul calls believers to represent King Jesus in two directions: toward the state and toward others. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we might think earthly authorities don’t apply to us, but Jesus, Paul, and Peter all teach otherwise. We’re to pay taxes, obey laws, and live in ways that benefit society, as Jeremiah instructed the exiles. With those outside the church, we’re to treat them kindly, avoid conflicts, and foster good relations. Takeaway: Christians should live in a way that makes as few waves as possible, building bridges through respect and service.

Verses 3–8: The Gospel of Grace
Paul reminds us of our past: foolish, disobedient, enslaved to sinful desires, full of envy and hatred. But God’s kindness and love intervened—not because of our works, but through His mercy. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the Spirit’s work in baptism, we’re washed clean and given new life. This early creed (v. 8, “This is a trustworthy saying”) underscores that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, with confidence in eternal life. Takeaway: God’s grace saves us and enables us to live transformed lives, guided by the Spirit.

Verses 9–11: Avoiding Divisive Disputes
Crete’s false teachers stirred pointless debates over genealogies and Jewish law, distracting from the gospel and hindering good works. Paul instructs Titus to warn divisive people twice, then exclude them if they persist. Unity is critical—divisive behavior undermines our witness and shows a heart uninterested in following Jesus. Takeaway: Unity in the church is vital; we must address divisive behavior firmly yet graciously to protect our mission.

Verses 12–15: Supporting God’s Work
Paul closes by urging Titus to support missionaries like Zenas and Apollos and to encourage believers to meet urgent needs. Whether through giving, loving neighbors, or praying, everyone has a role in God’s mission. Takeaway: The church thrives when we actively support mission and serve practical needs, reflecting God’s grace in action.

Connecting to Today’s World

Like Crete, our world is divided—politically, socially, and even within churches. Social media and news amplify slander and disputes, tempting Christians to either join the fray or retreat. Titus 3 offers a third way: living out God’s grace through kindness, service, and unity. How? First, focus on what you can control—how you treat others. Practice “benevolent detachment,” letting go of the need to win every argument. Second, treat people with respect, avoiding slander. Third, remember you represent King Jesus in every interaction.

The grace that saved us (vv. 4–7) empowers us to live differently. Just as God showed kindness when we were “foolish” and “enslaved” (v. 3), we’re called to show compassion to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Instead of seeing the world as an enemy to defeat, see people as enslaved to sin, needing our love, help, and prayers.

Applying to Life: Representing God’s Grace

Paul’s message is clear: how we live matters. Our right living, rooted in God’s grace, extends beyond the church to how we engage the state and the world. We’re to love and respect others, remembering we were once lost in sin, just as they are. Our lives should extend God’s mercy, showing that His love and grace are real.

Big Idea: How we live gives credibility to God’s love, mercy, and grace. We can’t proclaim forgiveness and new life if our actions are marked by arrogance or hatred. People trapped in sin need to see that following Jesus makes a difference—that His love transforms lives.

Challenge: Ask God to help you represent His grace well. Your life—how you treat others, what you believe—may be the closest someone gets to the gospel. Live in a way that draws them to Jesus.

Final Thought: Gandhi once said, “One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.” This truth applies to following Jesus. We can’t love fellow Christians while slandering or fighting the world. We’re called to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and represent King Jesus in all we say and do. May this reality guide our lives, transforming us for impact.

Source for Gandhi quote: Stephen Covey, First Things First (Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 121, citing Eknath Easwaran, Gandhi, the Man (Nilgin Press, 1978), p. 145.

Sunday Prayer: Grateful for God’s Kindness

Prayer Based on Titus 3:3–8

Gracious and Merciful God,

We come before You humbled by the truth of who we once were—foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by our own desires. We confess that our lives were once marked by envy, strife, and hatred. But then—You intervened.

You revealed Your kindness and love through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Not because we earned it. Not because we were righteous. But solely because of Your mercy. Thank You for saving us, for washing us clean, and for giving us new birth and new life through Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You for pouring out Your Spirit generously, not sparingly, so we might be renewed from the inside out. Thank You for justifying us by Your grace and giving us the confident hope of eternal life.

Lord, help us to never lose sight of this trustworthy truth. May our lives overflow with gratitude. Let our trust in You be shown in our devotion to doing good—works not to earn Your love, but as a response to it. May our lives become living testimonies of Your grace and kindness, pointing others to the hope we’ve found in You.

Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in love, to serve with humility, and to shine with the light of Christ. These teachings are good and beneficial for all—may we live them well for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.