BRAVE CONVERSATIONS

Living our best life on social media, smart phones and Instagram is great for many things. For starters, it keeps us in touch with our friends and what they’re up to any time! But it seems like hanging out on social media is stopping some of our real talk. When we fall out with someone, or are upset by something they’ve done, it is so much easier to send a message, rather than talk it through face to face. Perhaps it might be good to look again at how Paul spoke with Peter when they had a disagreement.

Paul had to confront Peter for how he misled some Christians (GALATIANS 2:11-16). Peter had been spending time with Gentiles, but when the Judaizers arrived (those who believed that we are saved through Jesus and through keeping the Old Testament law), Peter separated himself from the Gentiles. He distanced himself from them while claiming to be one with them. Seeing his double standards, Paul, with love and passion talked to Peter face to face and suggested that rules and laws were not the way to salvation. He reminded Peter that only trusting Jesus leads to freedom from sin and selfishness.

Standing up for others, disagreeing with friends or talking about Jesus openly can be really tough, but these conversations are really important. When we speak the truth in love (EPHESIANS 4:15) and trust the Holy Spirit to guide our words, people will see Jesus at work in us.

Becoming a Christian is far more than just getting a ticket into heaven. It’s changing the way we spend each day of our lives.

To pray about . . .

Father, give us bravery to stand up for what is right, share our love for You and speak the truth. It’s hard to disagree, but we know this is a really important way to show who Jesus is.

WE SHOW WHAT JESUS IS DOING IN OUR LIVES WHEN WE DO REAL TALK WITH PEOPLE.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries