Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken CultureSample

Pre-Christians

Now you know without any doubt that you’ve been chosen by God, you have been set apart to live for God, you are dearly loved by God, and you are to demonstrate the victory of the cross…to bring the character of God to this generation. You have been chosen to demonstrate the power of God, to encourage others, and to pray for the sick. Perhaps, though, you are wondering how to go about it.

Paul has stunning and timely advice about how to interact with people who don’t know Jesus. As you read Colossians 4:5–6, which Paul penned two thousand years ago, know that as you consider how to treat people who don’t know Jesus yet, Paul was writing these very words to you!

I believe we have all been assigned to nonbelievers as a witness, an encourager, and as a truth-teller. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

As we serve Jesus on this side of heaven, it is vitally important to understand we all are evangelists and missionaries. Each one of us must accept the call to make hell smaller and heaven bigger. We should all be praying for someone to be saved.

When our lives engage with those who do not know Jesus, we must stay keenly aware of how the Holy Spirit desires we treat pre-Christians. We must be in continual conversation with the Lord concerning the words we speak to those who have not yet joined the wonderful family of God.

Give Him your whole heart and ask for divine appointments as you walk through your day. You and I were chosen by the God of the universe to be alive today and to serve Him wholeheartedly.

As you follow Paul’s recommendations in Colossians 3:17, every morning when you wake up, eagerly thank the Lord for a brand new day. Choose to love people extravagantly and celebrate life wholeheartedly.

Let’s also resolve to live with unmatched kindness and compassion, embrace every day with enthusiasm and excitement, and offer every person in your life a grand dose of love.

Ultimately, let’s purpose to treat every day as an opportunity to be just like Jesus!

DAILY WORDS OF WISDOM:

One who has been touched by grace will no longer look on those who stray as “those evil people” or “those poor people who need our help.” Nor must we search for signs of “loveworthiness.” Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.

- Phillips Brooks

I would love to hear from you and pray for your needs. My prayer team and I read and respond to every email, so please write to me at: carol@carolmcleodministries.com.

If you have enjoyed this “Overflowing” Bible plan, you can find more information about the “Overflowing” book and the complete “Overflowing” Bible Study at: carolmcleodministries.com.