Hide This in Your Heart: Memorizing Scripture for Kingdom Impact Mfano

Bless People, Both Inside and Outside the Church We witness to Jesus’s love and gospel when we bless others, both inside and outside the church. We’d like you to bless three people each week—at least one of whom is a member of your church and at least one of whom is not. We bless others through words of affirmation, acts of kindness, and the giving of gifts. John says that we express genuine, Christ-imitating love through our actions and our practical giving. Jesus showed us the way when he laid down his life for us. When we see people in need we must give—this shows that the love of God is in us. “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17–18). Memorize: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Pray: Open our hearts to our neighbors. May they become our friends. Open our lives to strangers, immigrants, and those we don’t yet know. Help us show welcome and embrace. Open our tables, so they become places of friendship, community, and love. Open our homes and our finances, so they bless others and express generosity. Open our mouths to bless, affirm, and honor others. Lead us to live lives that affirm and honor others, building them up. Give us the grace to be open, welcoming, affirming, and generous. Amen