Character PracticeSýnishorn

Practice Character So Others Can See Jesus

Okay, so, yesterday you learned that much of godly character looks like the traits of God’s love. It’s patient, kind, not easily angered, and so on. And most of all, it endures through everything without fail.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we want other people to know it—so we show it! It’s like if you have a favorite team you love, it’s fun to wear a jersey around that represents them. You want everyone to know that you’re a fan or that you’re a part of that team.

When we practice living with godly character, it’s like we’re now representing Jesus and His team! Today’s reading from 2 Corinthians teaches that we’re called to be ambassadors for Christ. In other words, we’re speaking on His behalf. We get to help show the world what God is like!

Will we always represent Jesus well? Sadly, we won’t. We’ll mess up. We’ll be impatient, unkind, easily angered, and the complete opposite of love sometimes. But we remember who we represent. We ask forgiveness of those we’ve hurt. We iron our “team Jesus” jersey and we do our best to follow Him and represent Him well again.

Remember, It’s not just trying to be a nice person. It’s leaning on the strength of the Holy Spirit and following His guidance, not your own talents and “goodness.”

And it will take practice!

Ask yourself: What is one quality of strong and godly character that you would like to display more often? Self-control? Humility? Gratitude? Kindness? (There are many more—see yesterday’s reading from 1 Corinthians for more ideas!)

Challenge yourself: You know what to do. Take your answer from the “Ask yourself” question above and do it today! You want more self-control? When you’re tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t, silently count to 10 and say, “Holy Spirit, help me right now”—and make that timely prayer a new habit! Whatever it is you want to develop, find one easy way you can start practicing that godly characteristic today. Ask a trusted friend or adult for help if you need ideas for how to practice!

Pray: God, thank You for teaching me how to live in love. Help me to be a good ambassador for You in everything I say, think, and do. In Jesus’ name, amen.