Mary Sumner (1828–1921), founder of the Mother’s Union, was so nervous about speaking at her first meeting that she asked her clergyman husband to step in. But his gentle encouragement and her passion to help mothers from all kinds of backgrounds helped her overcome her fears. The meetings helped mothers support each other while Mary taught them how to know and live well for Christ.
A prayer she wrote and prayed daily reflects her heart: “All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for You.” Mary’s prayer affirmed her belief that the good news of Jesus is for all people. In this she followed the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). While staying true to Jesus, Paul accommodated himself to the various people he engaged with: Jews, God-fearers or unbelievers; the confident, broken or demoralised (see vv. 20–23). Compelled by Christ’s love, Paul gave generously of himself all for the sake of the gospel ( v. 23).
Seeing individuals as Jesus sees them inspires us to reach all kinds of people: those we don’t usually associate with at work. The neighbour who’s still a stranger. The unknown friends we could make in the group we’ve just joined. No matter how different we might feel, we can share the blessing of Christ with them.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
What holds you back from engaging with others? What experiences or interests could help you build bridges with people you don’t know?
Heavenly Father, please help me to love people who are different to me. As I grow to know them, help me to bring them Your truth, love and support.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In today’s text, Paul illustrates his point with references to running. The Corinthians were very familiar with these word pictures because Corinth was home to the Isthmian games—a competition second only to the ancient Olympics. As Jesus illustrated His teaching with ideas familiar to His Jewish audience (farming, fishing, etc.), Paul utilized ideas familiar to his readers/hearers as well. To the sports-conscious people of Corinth, he talked about athletics. To the intellectuals of Athens, Paul quoted Greek poets (Acts 17:28). This is a reminder that teaching isn’t simply about dispensing information; it’s also about encouraging understanding by making the ideas relevant to one’s audience.
Bill Crowder
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