The Message of the Cross

　　Your Nightly Prayer for Apr. 7, 2025

　　by Lynette Kittle

　　TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” - 1 Corinthians 1:18

　　SOMETHING TO PONDERAs Christians, how willing are we to share the Gospel with others, to maybe feel awkward while doing so, and to see other people maybe feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the topic?

　　We live in a world now where we’re not supposed to make anyone feel uncomfortable, a culture where it’s socially incorrect to bring up a topic that someone might feel awkward discussing or put on the spot by it; if we do, it sets off a range of reactions and emotions and leads to our being rejected.

　　Some Christians believe we need to just wait until asked about our faith, but what if they never ask? The truth is the Gospel does make some uncomfortable, but even if it does, don’t we want to tell them anyways? Because the reality is, it could mean life or death to them?

　　Isn’t it worth the risk of our looking socially incorrect and seemingly foolish to those who don’t know Christ, rather than to never say anything?

　　Our family recently attended a secular event where, while in conversations, we shared our faith with individuals we met and asked them about theirs. Although some may have seemed to squirm a bit, and it felt somewhat awkward at times, we were reaching out and doing what the Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9:

　　“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. We are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

　　We don’t know when reaching out, planting, and watering what kind of growth God may be causing to break forth in the lives of those we speak with. We don’t know what God has already begun cultivating in their lives, what seeds may have already been planted and how our words and actions may be watering what God is causing to grow within them.

　　YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYERDear Father, Lead us today and every day to step out and be willing to share the Gospel with those we meet. Free us from the fear of looking foolish and being rejected. Let our hearts be set on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who do not know You. Help us to lovingly tell others of Your love for them so that they will come to know and serve You, too. Help us to be unafraid and unashamed of spreading the truth of Your Salvation and the message of the cross to those who are perishing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

　　THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON1.Are there times when you wanted to share the Gospel but were afraid of looking foolish or being rejected? If so, ask God to strengthen you and help you in the future to be willing to look foolish for His name’s sake.

　　2. Ask God to lead you and give you opportunities to plant and water seeds. When He does, be willing to risk making yourself and others feel awkward or uncomfortable. Let your heart be set on pushing through the risky feelings and emotions to share His love with those you meet.

　　3. Take time to reminisce about your own Salvation journey. Think of the people who planted and watered seeds in your own life. Thank God for them and ask Him to help you do the same in the lives of others.

　　Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Benjamin Voros

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