TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• …But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect… (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• There’s a saying about “wearing your heart on your sleeve.” And we all know someone who wears it to a fault. They let their emotions be known to everyone around them… It’s a habit that puts people in a position of being vulnerable and at risk of being used or hurt.
The phrase dates back to 1603 when Shakespeare wrote it in his play, “Othello.” As the only writer you’ll meet who doesn’t like Shakespeare, I haven’t spent much time familiarizing myself with his works so I don’t know the scene in which it originated. I know “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Hamlet,” and “Romeo and Juliet” pretty well… But what can I say? I like to read for enjoyment, fun, and relaxation. There’s nothing enjoyable, fun, or relaxing to me about Shakespeare. There. I wore my heart on my sleeve. Take that, Shakespeare. Your writing stresses me out.
Anywhoo… That phrase came to mind this morning and while we’re all acquainted with it, I wondered about a variation of it… do we wear our faith on our sleeve?
Do people know you’re a Christian? As I write this, I’m reminded of a meme I saw on Facebook this weekend. It said, “Anyone who knows me knows that I love __________.” I didn’t share it, but mentally, I know many people would say “coffee.” But I hope even more would say “Jesus.”
In 1 Peter 3:15, it says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
We shouldn’t blend. Our faith should be so visible in us that it’s worn for the world to see… Not in a self-righteous way, but in a way that lets others know you are a believer in Jesus… As believers, we are called to be set apart from the world (Romans 12:2). And with that in mind, we should be wearing our faith on our sleeves! The world has to know about our faith in order for the difference to show!
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for saving us. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live your faith on your sleeve so the world will know that you are a follower of Christ.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe! Join an online prayer group at www.facebook.com/groups/onlineandonourkneesprayergroup. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
