Listen

As you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, our visit with you wasn’t a waste of time. On the contrary, we had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition, although we had already suffered and were publicly insulted in Philippi, as you know.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Think

While walking my dog one afternoon, I noticed two people in the distance: a man and a woman. As I walked closer, I realized the man was hitting the woman, and without thinking, I approached them. When the man saw me, he left the scene, and I was able to walk with the woman to safety. Looking back, I believe I may have been propelled by courage from the Holy Spirit.

Imagine you witness two people whom you love fighting. Even if you’re not involved, it can still hurt you. I learned that day that even though I didn’t have words to share, my presence made a difference for that woman. If you ever hear a voice pop into your head saying, “Go, help, and learn from it,” I encourage you to listen to it.

Don’t expect the situation to automatically resolve or for an apology to be offered, but instead, choose to be courageous and create a temple out of your love to keep others safe.

Youth participants of the Episcopal Youth Event 2023

Question to Ponder:

What situation in your life might require courage from the Holy Spirit?

Pray

God, give me the courage and the wisdom needed to help people faced with unfair opposition.

When I can help, encourage me to step in and help.

When a situation is too much for me to handle alone, encourage me to seek more helpers.

Amen.

Go

Just knowing you’re mindful of me

Just knowing you call me your child

It’s flooding my soul with unspeakable hope

Thank you, Lord, that it’s me on your mind

Matthew West in “Me On Your Mind” (2022)