Our Kindness Can lead Others to Salvation
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to reach out to someone who needs salvation. Amen
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So, when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Several years ago, when I was teaching at San Jose Bible College, I had an older student come into my classroom. He was a little rough around the edges and had long stringy hair. At first, I wondered why he was there, but as I learned his story, I grew to appreciate his sincere faith in Christ. He had never attended a church service until he joined the Marines. He became acquainted with some servicemen who were active in Navigators. Through this friendship he was led to Christ and wanted to serve him by going into the ministry. So, he enrolled at SJBC in the ministry program and graduated successfully.
He entered the ministry but struggled because he had not spent much time in the traditional church setting. He decided it was best to pursue another avenue of ministry. He went to seminary and upon graduation he applied to the Navy Chaplaincy program which accepted him. It proved to be the right fit for him, advancing to the rank of Captain (O6). He was able do for many young men and women in the service what the Navigator friends did for him many years before. He fulfilled Jesus Christ’s commission to us— “Using our kindness to lead others to salvation.”
APPLY:
Pathway Church’s motto is: “God is one step away.” Look for someone who needs to make that step toward God and gently help them make the step though your kindness and witness as the Navigator friends did.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord help me implement this old quote “Only one life, it’ll soon be past. And only what’s done for Christ will last” in my life. Amen.
CONTINUED READING:
Luke 10:25-37
WORSHIP: