How can we avoid "hiding" our faith like Moses' veil in 2 Corinthians 3:13? Seeing the Veil for What It Was 2 Corinthians 3:13 reminds us, “We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away”. The veil hid a glory that was diminishing. In Christ, we carry a glory that intensifies, so hiding it makes no sense. Why We’re Tempted to Reach for a Veil Today • Fear of rejection or ridicule (John 12:42–43) • Desire to blend in and avoid conflict (Galatians 1:10) • Misplaced humility—thinking it’s “more spiritual” to stay quiet (Matthew 25:24–25) • Lingering shame over past sin (Romans 8:1) • Simply forgetting the power of the message (Romans 1:16) The Freedom Christ Provides “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Freedom here means: 1. Freedom from fear—because Christ’s perfect love casts it out (1 John 4:18). 2. Freedom to speak—“We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). 3. Freedom to reflect—“We… with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Practical Ways to Keep the Veil Off • Stay amazed by the gospel. Regularly revisit the cross and resurrection so gratitude overflows naturally. • Pray for boldness, not comfort (Acts 4:29–31). • Practice public identification: – Share a Scripture that encouraged you. – Offer to pray for someone on the spot. – Wear or display something that sparks faith conversations. • Let good works be visible: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Engage in fellowship. Courage is contagious when believers spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Memorize truth for the moments you feel pressure to hide (Psalm 119:11). • Keep short accounts with God. Unconfessed sin dims our witness (1 John 1:9). • Be ready with a gentle answer: “Always be prepared to give a defense… with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). What an Unveiled Life Accomplishes • It points people to Jesus, not to us. • It strengthens other believers who might be wavering. • It silences accusations that Christians are hypocrites or secretive. • It prepares us for Christ’s return: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him” (Luke 9:26). Living Radiantly Every Day The glory shining in us is not fading; it’s building toward an eternal weight (2 Corinthians 4:17). Drop the veil, step into the open, and let that glory speak for itself. |
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