Pay-it-Forward is a concept of doing some thoughtful act for someone around us. It’s the idea of not just satisfying ourselves, but instead doing a “good deed” for someone else. And then we hope that they too will “pay-it-forward” for the next guy.
Every now and again, I like to pay for the coffee being ordered by the guy in the car behind me. It makes me smile as I think about giving a cup of coffee to a stranger. Kindness goes a long way, not only in the heart of the recipient, but also in the heart of the giver.
That Pay-It-Forward idea has blossomed in some big ways. Starbucks reports that a pay-it-forward moment in Florida lasted 11 hours. Apparently nearly 400 people paid for the order of the car behind them. How cool. (But can you imagine being the guy who refused to keep it going? What a scrooge!)
That theme or “serial reciprocity” can be found in ancient writings, books, plays, movies and even in music. And of course, in the scriptures.
In Pastor Jason’s message from John chapter one, we see seven principles that we need to embrace and then pass along to others. These seven truths help us express the gospel message in simple, clear terms.
It starts with the understanding that we are not the Messiah. “He is God, and we are NOT!” The focus of our sharing scripture with others begins with the declaration to look full in the face of Jesus. And as we gaze into His eyes, we recognize our need to repent from our sins. Jesus was the substitute sacrifice, and we desperately need Him.
When Jesus invited the early disciples to “Come and see…” He was encouraging them to ask their important questions, but to do so as part of their relationship with Him. It was not an academic exercise. And our conversations need to have that same kind of warmth. We need to demonstrate that we care personally for those around us.
Not only should our conversations flow from personal interest in our family and friends, but those chats should convey the truth that there is so much more to come. We can have a future with Christ, and it involves much more than just a ticket out of hell.
As we finish our presentation of the “Good News” (the Gospel), we must model Jesus once again and make sure our words and actions flow from our hearts. We genuinely care for those we are talking to…we are truly concerned for them.
If we keep those things in the forefront of our minds and hearts as we begin to point someone to Christ, our motive will be so obvious. Our family, our friends, our colleagues at work and our neighbors will sense our genuine care for them and their eternal souls.
Jesus cared for ours. Let’s Pay-it-Forward!
Every now and again, I like to pay for the coffee being ordered by the guy in the car behind me. It makes me smile as I think about giving a cup of coffee to a stranger. Kindness goes a long way, not only in the heart of the recipient, but also in the heart of the giver.
That Pay-It-Forward idea has blossomed in some big ways. Starbucks reports that a pay-it-forward moment in Florida lasted 11 hours. Apparently nearly 400 people paid for the order of the car behind them. How cool. (But can you imagine being the guy who refused to keep it going? What a scrooge!)
That theme or “serial reciprocity” can be found in ancient writings, books, plays, movies and even in music. And of course, in the scriptures.
In Pastor Jason’s message from John chapter one, we see seven principles that we need to embrace and then pass along to others. These seven truths help us express the gospel message in simple, clear terms.
It starts with the understanding that we are not the Messiah. “He is God, and we are NOT!” The focus of our sharing scripture with others begins with the declaration to look full in the face of Jesus. And as we gaze into His eyes, we recognize our need to repent from our sins. Jesus was the substitute sacrifice, and we desperately need Him.
When Jesus invited the early disciples to “Come and see…” He was encouraging them to ask their important questions, but to do so as part of their relationship with Him. It was not an academic exercise. And our conversations need to have that same kind of warmth. We need to demonstrate that we care personally for those around us.
Not only should our conversations flow from personal interest in our family and friends, but those chats should convey the truth that there is so much more to come. We can have a future with Christ, and it involves much more than just a ticket out of hell.
As we finish our presentation of the “Good News” (the Gospel), we must model Jesus once again and make sure our words and actions flow from our hearts. We genuinely care for those we are talking to…we are truly concerned for them.
If we keep those things in the forefront of our minds and hearts as we begin to point someone to Christ, our motive will be so obvious. Our family, our friends, our colleagues at work and our neighbors will sense our genuine care for them and their eternal souls.
Jesus cared for ours. Let’s Pay-it-Forward!
Sherry Worel
Sherry Worel is a Bible teacher at heart and lives a life of ministry. She’s been involved at Coast Hills teaching Women’s LIFE, Bible studies, online courses, devotionals, participating in Upstream conversations, and much more. Having a love for education, Sherry has over 50 years of teaching experience with schools, churches, and mission agencies. As well as earning her Master’s at Talbot Seminary, she rounded out her education with 35 years as Head of School at Stoneybrooke Christian School. Sherry is happiest with a book or fishing pole in hand.