Back to School

Pause

The world needs light. The world needs hope. The world needs selflessness. The world needs equality.

The world needs us to show how Christ walked with those that are oppressed and unique, how Christ prayed for all people, and how Christ served humbly without recognition.

Let us shine with the light of Christ.

Listen

Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying.

Romans 12:13-15

Think

Think of someone who puts you down. How do you react? Do you pray for them?

At lunch, do you sit next to the person who is different even if it means risking your own friendships? Or do you just look at them, saying to yourself, “I’ll do that tomorrow” or “Someone else will sit with them”?

When something good happens to your friend, do you rejoice genuinely with them? Or do you just say you are happy for them, while actually being mad or upset, thinking they aren’t deserving?

Are you willing to be vulnerable to someone and walk with them in their time of grief and hurt?

The way you react in these situations shows people who you are as a servant of Christ. As a Christ-follower, oftentimes you will have to step out of your comfort zone and find yourself in situations that stretch your kindness and grace. These uncomfortable moments are when others – and even you! – can see Jesus working through you.

Megan Turner Doud

Pray

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Amen.

adapted from the Prayer of St. Francis

Go

Go, sharing your faith with words and deeds.

Go, living in this dark world, and may you be the light.

Go, serving others with humility and grace as Christ did.

And go, singing words of praise each and every day.