In what ways can we ensure our faith strengthens others' trust in God? A Plea to Protect Others’ Faith (Psalm 69:6) “May those who hope in You not be put to shame because of me, O LORD GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be disgraced because of me, O God of Israel.” Why Our Example Matters • The psalmist fears doing anything that might discredit God in the eyes of onlookers. • Scripture repeatedly joins personal conduct to the spiritual welfare of others (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:32–33; Philippians 1:27). • The goal: live so that anyone watching finds it easier, not harder, to trust the Lord. Practical Ways to Strengthen Others’ Trust • Live Blamelessly – Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9). – Pursue visible integrity so accusations cannot stick (1 Peter 2:12; Philippians 2:15). • Shine Through Good Works – “Let your light shine…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). – Everyday acts of faithfulness—honest business, faithful marriage, generous giving—validate the gospel. • Guard Your Words – Speak only what “builds up” and “gives grace” (Ephesians 4:29). – Refuse gossip, coarse joking, or cynical speech that undermines confidence in God. • Encourage Deliberately – “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). – Notice faith in others and say so; point out God’s fingerprints in their lives. • Share Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness – Tell fresh stories of answered prayer (Psalm 71:15–18). – Personal witness turns doctrine into undeniable evidence. • Serve Sacrificially – “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). – Unselfish service makes the unseen God tangible (John 13:35). • Endure Trials with Hope – Joy under pressure proves Christ is enough (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:19). – Complaining erodes faith; steady trust inspires it. • Hold Fast to Sound Doctrine – “Rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). – Clear, unwavering teaching guards others from doubt and drift (Jude 3). Guardrails That Keep Us from Hindering Faith • Flee anything that could scandalize or cause a weaker believer to stumble (Romans 14:20–21). • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) keeps hypocrisy from taking root. • Welcome loving correction; it preserves credibility (Proverbs 27:6). Living With Psalm 69:6 on Our Hearts When our conduct, speech, and endurance align with the gospel, observers conclude: “God is trustworthy.” In that way, our faith becomes a bridge—not a barrier—to others’ deeper confidence in the Lord. |
    |