i am an offering

Today, in schools across the country, students will be participating in what’s known as the Day of Silence. This is a day to stand up against discrimination of students who are dealing with homosexuality.

This morning I experienced a great witness of God’s power. Many of the students in our youth group are going to be speaking out in love today, wearing shirts that say, “I love you too much to remain silent,” and sharing the love and compassion of Jesus with everyone they come in contact with. We spent time in prayer with the students, and I witnessed them worshipping with no restraint as we were ready to send them to their schools today.

This is scary stuff for these students, but they are willing to offer themselves in love despite what might happen.

The Apostle Paul was dealing with a student going into opposition as well; Timothy. Paul wrote these words to Timothy:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:6-9.

Today, these students are fanning into flame the gift of God, because God has not given them timidity (fear), but power. I pray that they would not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, and I pray that their example today would encourage me to not be ashamed.

As I’ve been hearing things about this day for a while, I can’t help but wonder, if we are truly seeking to be like Jesus, why we haven’t had the bold love to:

• Be the ones volunteering at the AIDS clinics.
• Be the ones willing to reach out to people that no one else will.
• Be willing to let our compassion be shown more than our conviction (while not compromising that conviction.)

Jesus loved, touched, and spent time with Lepers, prostitues, Samaritans, and all of the people that the religious types hated. Let’s stand on what the Bible teaches, but let’s show the amazing love that Jesus has shown with a boldness that cannot be ignored.