Competent, confident and courageous

 2Corinthians 3:4 "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.  6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life."   Our competence comes from God!!   When I feel competent  I feel confident!!   In today’s culture it’s easy to feel the pressure to keep our faith to ourselves.   Personally, when I am with someone that is a strong non believer it’s easiest for me to not to talk about faith.  Easiest is not always the best.   If I truly care about that person, I want them to know Jesus.  Therefore they can have His peace here on Earth and for eternity.   I need to find the competence, confidence & courage to speak boldly about Jesus with discernment.  One way I have found to speak boldly to non-believers is to quote the word of God.  I simply say, “ In the Bible it says……..” I have most competence & confidence when I can quote a specific verse.   Here is an example;  If a friend is struggling with fear, I can tell them I too struggle with fear.  When  I do it’s because I am not trusting God’s perfect love for me. In the Bible it says in 

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 

  Jesus took the punishment for each of us.   Our sin debt has been paid.    We may have consequences to deal with, but I need not fear my worst case scenario if I TRUST Jesus love for me and His love for the ones I love.   Quoting the Bible gives me credibility. Shoving our faith down other’s throats doesn’t win souls for Jesus but speaking competently by quoting His word can.      Be competent, confident and courageous in Jesus!!! Tell someone why Christmas is important to you!!   Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 ✝️😇