Our Daily Bread: December 2, 2022

When we reveal God's love to others through our words and actions, we honor Him and demonstrate our love for our neighbors. This was evident in the life of the apostle Paul, who lived as an ambassador for Jesus in every aspect of his life, from family to business. He depended on God's power and grace for effectiveness, rather than relying on his own abilities.

Paul's faith was not limited to his personal relationships; he also applied it to his public ministry. When faced with opposition from some in Corinth who questioned his authority as an apostle, he defended his conduct among them. His goal was to live out 'integrity and godly sincerity' (2 Corinthians 1:12), demonstrating that he was a man of strong moral character.

In our own lives, we can follow Paul's example by striving for integrity and sincerity in all our dealings. This means being honest and transparent in our words and actions, just as Marie, a single working mom, demonstrated through her consistent attendance at church and Bible study despite the challenges she faced.

However, living with integrity and sincerity is not always easy. We may face temptations to compromise our values or prioritize our own interests over those of others. As John Woolman, a 18th-century Quaker tailor, showed, our commitment to Jesus should influence every aspect of our lives, including our business dealings.

In Psalm 23:4 and John 14:16-17, we are reminded that God understands our fears and reassures us through His Word and the Holy Spirit. This was evident in the life of Gideon, who experienced God's peace despite his fear. Although he had received a promise of victory from God, Gideon still sought multiple reassurances before the battle.

As Christians, we can learn much from Gideon's story. Like him, we may struggle with fear and doubt, but we must remember that God is always with us, even when we feel anxious or uncertain. As we seek to live out our faith in Christ, let us strive for integrity and sincerity in all our dealings, trusting in God's power and guidance every step of the way.

Our daily bread december 2 2022