When the church fights like the world we lose. When the church fights like Jesus we win by His Kingdom being seen and making others thirsty for The Life.

“Fight the Good Fight” (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7)

Like a diamond on a dark cloth the contrast is stunning. God created all people to be drawn in awe to “glory”. Look at how people are drawn to a great and glorious athlete. People buy the jersey, and stand in line for an autograph or a selfie. Read history, and the daily news. The heroes of good news are those who humbly do good and sacrifice in serving. Those stories endure.

Remember when you gave your life to Jesus you accepted Him as your King and you are to live by the values and directives of the Kingdom of God. Luke 22:25-30 NLT
[25] Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ [26] But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. [27] Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. [28] “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. [29] And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right [30] to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (see also Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45)

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the compassion of Jesus so you see and are stirred deeply by the needs of others. Matthew 9:36 NLT
[36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Share what the Spirit puts on your heart with other Jesus followers. 1 Peter 3:9 NLT
[9] Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:14-15 NLT
[14] But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. [15] Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT
[10] God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. [11] Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Take action. Make the radical love of Jesus visible in the world and share the good news of King Jesus Romans 13:8-10 NLT
[8] Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. [9] For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [10] Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Do not be snared by the loud, noisy, dramatic, battle cries of the world. Refuse to divide people into camps of “US” and “THEM” instead see every person as created in the image of God and loved by Him. Romans 12:9-11, 13-21 NLT
[9] Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. [10] Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. [11] Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
[13] When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. [15] Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! [17] Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. [18] Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. [19] Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. [20] Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” [21] Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Pray and Endure in Serving. Hebrews 13:2, 6, 15-16 NLT
[2] Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
[6] So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
[15] Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. [16] And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

For the past two years I have been greatly helped in FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT by receiving training and resources in living as a Peacemaker. Explore MATTHEW 5:9 https://matthew59.org/