Each week of the summer students have been able to be involved in a BOUNCE experience of Concert of Prayer. BOUNCERS were able to pray over their neighbors, their enemies, and the lost souls in this world. Every week BOUNCERS have been very intentional in their time of prayer, and this week was no exception.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
BOUNCERS have been learning about what it means to be an influencer this week and how that relates to living a life dedicated to Christ. Last night for the Concert of Prayer, the focus was over how to set an example to believers and the world by the way that we love others.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18
BOUNCERS have been having hands on experience with learning how to love God, each other, and neighbors. First, we must place God before anything else in our lives, so that He is the one we are listening to when loving, caring, and evangelizing. We cannot be worshipping anything else in our lives because worship is only for God. Second, we need to know how to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. And, to truly be the body of Christ that looks out for each other, no matter the circumstances of joy or persecution. Lastly, but certainly would be to love our neighbors. This does not only include the people next door, but every person that we encounter throughout the day because God has commanded us to love everyone that we encounter. Therefore, let us always to obedient to God's command of love. No matter if it is a BOUNCE experience, church camp, Sunday morning, or workday, let us always be influencers for Christ in our words, actions, and behaviors!
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Mark 12:30-31
Loving God and loving our neighbors are not the only people God commands us to love. It does not matter what situation you are in currently, God still calls us to be His ambassadors, His influencers in this world and that should not stop at just people we consider neighbors. God calls us to love our enemies. This is such a hard task for us to understand, but God does not ask us to do it alone. He tells us to pray to Him, and He is the who can give us patience, motivation, and peace in loving those we see as our enemies. So, no matter how much time you have hated, held a grudge against, or had an aversion to your enemy, please start praying for them, so God might move their heart and will definitely change your heart and alter your mindset.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
