Tuesday, August 26, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Philippians 1
Have you ever spent time with someone who is difficult to love?
We’ve all met people who are negative, bitter, and hard to get along with. However, in the Gospel of John, Jesus commands that we love everyone, even when it is challenging.
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
When we show Jesus’ love to everyone, the exuberant joy of the Lord will radiate through us, identifying us as his disciples. Although we cannot force our beliefs on anyone, we can plant seeds in their hearts. By sharing the peace and joy we’ve found in Jesus Christ, our actions demonstrate how life changing it is to fully surrender to him. You never know when an interaction with someone could be the one thing that eventually leads them to Jesus.
Others showing me God’s love has made all the difference in my life. There have been times when I felt hopeless, bitter, and unloved. I was difficult to be around. However, when I studied the Word of God and became connected to others in the faith, I experienced the genuine love of the Lord. Other Christ followers have inspired me to read the Bible and share the Good News wherever I go.
We must allow God’s love to shape every aspect of our lives, including our relationships with family and friends and our involvement in the church and our communities. It is easy to see who belongs to Jesus in these areas because the Holy Spirit guides their steps, and they openly spread God’s unconditional love and joy.
At home, I see this in action in my dad and brother, who spread love to those around them. I see it in my boyfriend and some of my friends, who are quick to help those in need. And I see Jesus’ love in the church, as it serves the greater community through volunteer events and evangelizing.
This week, I encourage you to open your Bibles and absorb the joy of the Lord. Look for the ways he is showing up through the people you encounter. And instead of keeping God’s love a secret, allow your faith to overflow into every area of your life.
Questions:
What does the joy of the Lord feel like for you?
How can we spread Jesus’ love in our local communities?
Next Steps:
Attend GrowthTrack so you can discover your spiritual gifts and use them to show Jesus to those in your life.
This week, perform an act of kindness for someone, letting the joy of the Lord shine through you. Need ideas? Consider writing a note to someone who could use some encouragement, paying for the meal or coffee of the person behind you in line, or doing chores for a family member or neighbor.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to share in the joy of the Lord and for giving me purpose. Help me to spread your joy to others in my life, planting seeds in their hearts that may lead them to you. Give me the courage and the drive to help those who are hurting and to give them hope through Jesus Christ. In your name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 16:11
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.