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Are you a Christian who wants to make an impact for Christ? Do you long for the courage and confidence to make your faith more visible in your life? Maybe fear has held you back from fully embracing your unique identity as a believer. But God calls you to live out your faith confidently—to proclaim his power and strength with boldness. In this blog post we’ll explore why it’s important to live out your faith with confidence, as well as how essential truths from Scripture can help equip you to let your little light shine.
Understand and Accept the Gift of Grace
The concept of grace is a cornerstone of Christianity. As a follower of Jesus, God compels you to understand and accept this gift of grace with confidence, knowing that it is through this unmerited favor that you are saved. The Bible tells us that God’s grace is abundant (1 Timothy 1:14), available to all who seek it with a sincere heart. Live out your faith in a way that honors this grace, showing love and compassion to others as a reflection of God’s love for you. Always keep in the forefront of your mind the incredible gift of grace that has been given to you. Walk boldly in the knowledge of your salvation, grateful for the sacrifice that was made on your behalf.
Embrace a Lifestyle of Love and Forgiveness
Through the example of Jesus Christ, you have seen that forgiveness is a crucial part of your faith. Ephesians 4:32 says to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” It is only through this act of forgiveness that you can truly experience the love of God in your life. Walk confidently in the path of love and forgiveness, knowing that it is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Jesus is the ultimate model and example of how to live out your faith with a life filled with love and forgiveness.
But remember as well that forgiving does not always mean reconciling. Establish boundaries that will keep you safe from others who would seek to harm you, whether intentionally or unintentionally, with their demands on you. Boundaries are God’s idea and by taking care of yourself, you still display God’s kindness to others.
Live Out Your Faith With an Attitude of Thanksgiving
It’s important that you not only speak about your faith but also put it into action. One way to do that is to live out your faith by filling your life with thanksgiving, constantly reflecting on the blessings God has provided. Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Through your attitude of gratitude, you have the opportunity to glorify God and exhibit the love and kindness he has shown you. James tells us that faith without action is meaningless (James 2), but when you approach life with a thankful heart, you can make a difference in the lives of those around you and honor your creator as well. It might seem like a simple step, but when others see that you have a thankful heart even when your circumstances might be hard, it will make them curious about why you can have this kind of peace.
Be a Witness to God’s Power and Mercy Through Your Words and Deeds
God is both powerful and rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5). Through your words and deeds, you have the opportunity to demonstrate the incredible love that God has for his people. Confident in the truth you carry, you can show that God’s power and mercy have the power to transform hearts and minds. As you simply share your story of how God has changed you, remember that the Holy Spirit is with you always, guiding you and speaking through you. Seek to be vessels of God’s grace, allowing his light to shine through you and touch the lives of those around you. As you are bold in your faith, your witness draws others closer to the heart of God.
Pray for Strength to Stand Firm Against Temptation
You might feel constantly bombarded with temptations that seek to lead you away from God’s path. First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” It is through prayer that you can access the strength and grace necessary to resist temptation and walk in righteousness. James 4:7 says, “submit ourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” With this assurance, you can approach every situation with confidence, knowing that your God is faithful and will provide you with the strength to overcome any temptation that comes your way. Pray continually and trust God’s power to keep you steadfast on his path.
But know also that if you fall, God will always be there to pick you up. It’s better that those around you see that you are not perfect, that you are still under construction by God, and that there is nothing you can do that will ever cause God to give up on you. Don’t be afraid to be transparent and let others know that it is God’s grace and power that works in you. You don’t walk through this life on your own.
Seek Guidance From Spiritual Mentors
In times of doubt or confusion, seeking guidance from spiritual mentors can provide much-needed clarity and insight. Throughout the Bible, you see examples of individuals seeking out the wisdom and counsel of those who have walked with God longer and have more experience in their faith journey. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” It is important to surround yourself with those who can speak truth into your life and help you align your thoughts and actions with God’s will. Seek out people whose life with God you respect, knowing that through their wisdom and encouragement, you can navigate even the most difficult seasons of life.
Grace is an amazing and beautiful gift that requires embracing and accepting. When you do, you can lead a life of love, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and joy in a way that testifies to your faith in God and reflects his power and mercy. Through prayer and developing relationships with spiritual mentors and teachers, you can be armed with the strength to stay firm against temptation. As you embark on this journey, download the Abide app for daily biblical meditations that will help you understand God and your faith more deeply.
