How can we encourage others facing "glory and dishonor" in their faith journey? Our Verse in Focus “through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; regarded as imposters, yet genuine;” (2 Corinthians 6:8) What “Glory and Dishonor” Looks Like Today • Glory: moments when faith is applauded—testimonies answered, character noticed, doors opened • Dishonor: moments when faith is mocked—being labeled intolerant, sidelined at work, misunderstood by friends • Paul holds both experiences side-by-side: each is normal for a servant of Christ Foundational Truths to Hand Them • God sees both sides. “The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all mankind.” (Psalm 33:13) • Reward is sure. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) • Identity is secure. “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26) • Opposition verifies authenticity. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Words That Breathe Courage 1. Acknowledge the tension: “Both applause and criticism are temporary; Christ’s ‘Well done’ is forever.” 2. Point to the bigger story: “If you share His sufferings, you will also share His glory.” (Romans 8:17) 3. Celebrate unseen fruit: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) 4. Remind them of the cloud of witnesses: Hebrews 12:1 shows we’re never alone on the track. 5. Speak Scripture over them—truth outweighs rumors: – “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.” (Psalm 118:6) – “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Practical Ways to Stand With Them • Share your own “dishonor” stories so they recognize the pattern is normal. • Send timely verses by text when you know a hard meeting or family dinner is coming. • Invite them to serve alongside you—joint ministry forges resilience. • Guard their reputation in conversations; honor them publicly when others do not. • Mark victories together—coffee after baptism, note after a courageous stand, dinner after a hard week. Encouraging Perspective from Paul’s Catalog (2 Corinthians 6:4-10) • Hardship, imprisonments, sleepless nights—yet purity, understanding, and sincere love • Beatings—yet “possessing everything” • Sorrowful—yet always rejoicing Remind them: Paul’s list proves glory and dishonor often arrive in the same package, and God calls both “serving faithfully.” Final Lift for Their Heart “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Stand with them. Speak life-giving truth. Celebrate both the cheers and the jeers as evidence that Christ is unmistakably at work. |
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