Jesus clearly says that we are expected to carry the message forward. We cannot come to and onto this faith only for ourselves. Once we come to know and love Jesus, we are expected to bring the light we have received out into the world. What we have gathered in whispers, we are exhorted to shout out to all.
As we
said yesterday, fear can interfere with this. Studies have shown that the most important factor contributing to success or failure is a person’s self-image. A person with a positive self-image is apt to succeed; a person with a negative self-image is more likely to fail. How do we develop our self-image? Sadly, it is often shaped by others, particularly our closest family and carers, in our early years. If they value us, we feel lovable and valuable; if they do not, we begin to feel unlovable
and without value. How that can build us up, or destroy us. Our self-image is also the key to our Christianity, our ability to love God and love our neighbour!
It is important, therefore, to bring focus to the fact that God created us in love, in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) Jesus now calls us to recognise who we really are–beloved of our God of infinite love! In God’s eyes, we have worth and value beyond
counting. It is with this self-image that we can step into the light and onto the rooftops to proclaim Jesus. It is important that we treat each other as God treats us, so that all can come to the fullness of who they are in God.
Will I risk bringing the message of God’s love to my neighbour?
Will I allow God’s love for me as I am, to begin to move me to a greater sense of
being loved and valued?
Who is God calling me to today, to affirm and encourage with acceptance and positive mirroring?
