Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing my children follow Jesus.
Paul knew that joy. He preached the gospel to the people in Philippi and they responded. Paul saw their lives begin to change by God’s power. They not only believed the message, but partnered with Paul in sharing the good news with others.
Paul saw the people he invested in as his spiritual children. He taught them, mentored them and loved them. He even bragged about them. "But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:22).
This same joy is available to us if we make God and sharing his love our highest aim. When we share God’s power with an addict, we receive the privilege of celebrating with them when they say no to temptation. When we pray with a friend for the courage to ask for forgiveness from another, we share their excitement when that confession brings reconciliation. When we teach someone to seek God by daily reading his Word, we overflow with joy when we see them share with others what they’ve learned.
May you experience the thrill of seeing those you’ve taught and mentored living a life of love, sharing the truth, and showing compassion. May you experience the joy of developing partners in the gospel!
Heavenly Father, teach me to love and care for people the way you do. I want to spend my life sharing your love with others. I want to experience that joy. Amen.
Throughout this Day: Ask yourself, who are you sharing your joy in Jesus with? Look at your circle of influence in your home, neighborhood, work, school or church. Your joy increases the more you share it.
Consider becoming an online mentor and share the joy of Jesus with people from all over the world who are desperate for hope. Learn more today: p2cdigital.com/mentor
Photo Credit: Mi Pham on Unsplash