“Taking the First Step”
By
Poh Fang Chia
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Tham Dashu sensed something was missing in his life. So he started going to church—the same church his daughter attended. But they never went together. In earlier days, he had offended her, which drove a wedge between them. So, Tham would slip in when the singing started and leave promptly after the service ended.
Church members shared the gospel story with him, but Tham always politely rejected their invitation to put his faith in Jesus. Still, he kept coming to church.
One day Tham fell gravely ill. His daughter plucked up the courage and wrote him a letter. She shared how Christ had changed her life, and she sought reconciliation with her dad. That night, Tham put his faith in Jesus and the family was reconciled. A few days later, Tham died and entered into the presence of Jesus—at peace with God and his loved ones.
The apostle Paul wrote that we are to “try to persuade others” about the truth of God’s love and forgiveness (2 Cor. 5:11). He said that it is “Christ’s love [that] compels us” to carry out His work of reconciliation (v. 14).
Our willingness to forgive may help others realize that God desires to reconcile us to Himself (v. 19). Would you lean on God’s strength to show them His love today?
Is there someone you need to try to reconcile with? What practical first step can you take today?
Our willingness to seek reconciliation with others shows God’s heart to them.
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#December
For us in TLF we are going to be focusing on Enterprise aka Labour aka Work for the entire month of June. We are urged to work. If you do not work how would you meet your daily needs? Like food, shelter, clothings and transportation? What about having what to give to others in need? There are so many reasons to work. I know many of us love to do what we love, we do not like to go to work if we do not like the job. But what if what you are doing as work and being paid for is actually what you love? What you love may not turn out to be a source of income, but we must still do what we can to earn. Are you enterprising? Please keep it up. Are you in paid labour in the private or public sector? Please do your work as unto the Lord God. Are you working all by yourself as a self employed worker? Please continue to grow and progress for greatness. Always know that in - Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust ...
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