Political corruption. A global pandemic. Racial unrest. Economic tension. It would be easy to fall into the pit of negativity, anger, and self-service our world seems to have crumpled into, but you can choose to be a point of brilliance in the unsettling chaos. Let your light shine before all of mankind.
Here are some ways Christian teens can show God’s love to others.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
1) Be a respectful listener.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Luke 6:35
Even your best friend or your unbelieving brother could be your enemy.
To do this, you need to adopt the appropriate definition of enemy. An enemy is anyone who is hostile to God, not just the guy who’s trying to break into your house or take over your country. In this sense, even your best friend or your unbelieving brother could be your enemy.
Love your enemy. Be someone who listens to and respects the opinions of others, even if you don’t share the same opinion.
2) Ask, don’t assume.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Whenever we encounter someone with an opinion that clashes with our own, our first response is to make assumptions and cast judgments that place that person further from ourselves. You see it every day in the world of politics.
Ask questions. Try to understand that person and why she holds the beliefs she has.
But there’s a better way: Ask questions. Try to understand that person and why she holds the beliefs she has.
Until you have thoroughly listened, you have no business making proclamations to or about that person. Your goal is to help her find Christ, not beat her over the head with your arguments, no matter how sound they may be.
(See my posts Defend Your Faith: Win the Argument, Lose the Battle? and Teens Speak the Truth in Love: Amending the Soil.)
3) Let the fruits of the Spirit show in your life.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
If you are already practicing all nine of these characteristics, people will want to be around you and you will be in the best position to share the gospel of hope in a dark world.
4) Seek and exude genuine joy.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Do you know someone who always seems to be at peace? Who emits joy everywhere she goes like the clean scent of a sweet, delicate perfume?
Those people don’t just disappear from your memory when you leave them because they are rare and uplifting to be around. Seek to be filled with genuine joy and strive to be that person for someone else.
5) Practice empathy.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 3:8
Most of us focus on our own problems to the point where we are certain no one else has it as bad as we do.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. But most of us focus on our own problems to the point where we are certain no one else has it as bad as we do. Learn to widen the scope of your vision and see where others are struggling and may be in need of a compassionate friend.
Note that the above verse was given to believers and that the directive to be like-minded applies to believers. We have the same goal, which is to love others and serve God. Let the teachings of the Bible unite you and don’t fall apart over things that God does not dictate through his word.
6) Serve others as Christ served you.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:16
Christ gave his life for you! This means you are free from slavery to sin and self-serving pleasures.
Free to give your life to serving others and leading them back to Christ.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up your plans to become an electrician or a pilot and instead become a missionary. Serving others can start right now by putting their needs ahead of your own. In other words, doing all of the things we just talked about!
7) Reflect Jesus in literally everything!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
The way you live and the way you love is a reflection of Christ. Make it a strong one!
When it seems like the battle between good and evil is coming to a climax, and evil is going to win, make a choice to let your light shine in this dark world. Show God’s love to others through your actions. If every Christian did this, there would be tiny points of light growing all over.
Let Your Light Shine: More Resources For Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
A well written and much needed message for myself and the world around us. God bless your ministry.
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