“Every time I think of you—and I think of you often! — I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. [1 Corinthians 1:4-6; The Message]
When we think of the word evidence, we often think about court cases and whether there is enough evidence to convict a perpetrator. If the evidence from the prosecuting side isn’t compelling, the accused is dismissed and freed. If the evidence is compelling the perpetrator is jailed. Now our passage is speaking about the evidence of Christ in our lives. Is there verifiable evidence that you are a follower of Christ? What would be the evidence revealed by the way you live and move and have your being in the world? Is the fruit of the Spirit visible in your life? Is there evidence of your healing presence among others or are you loving your enemies? Do you refrain from judging others or practice your piety in humble ways? What evidence would somebody give on your behalf to God? This is a sobering message because we often fall short. Yet, the good news is, God’s mercies are new every morning. May this message of hope help us be a hope filled presence to others.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your new mercies every morning, because I know there is not always evidence in my life that I am Christ follower. I can get so wrapped up in myself, forgetting that I am supposed to be a beacon of hope. Give me the courage to demonstrate evidence of your presence in my life every day. Amen.
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