This is the third of a six part series. Previous parts can be found on our website.
In Baptism and at Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) we make the following promises: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”—Luke 2:10-11
Proclaim the Good News
In Baptism, we make the promise “to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed.” What does this mean? Sharing the good news requires both words and actions but more importantly that our words and actions are aligned. We know this as parents that it doesn’t show a very good example if we say one thing and do another and this is true as we live out our faith in the world.
It is important that our words and our actions convey a consistent message especially as we try to share the good news of God in Christ. When our words and actions get out of alignment with one another then it is important that we acknowledge our mistake, that we confess the sin that has been committed. As Christians, we get judged harshly when we are slow at confessing our mistakes or worse yet slow in offering forgiveness to others.
Share the Good News
The good news is of course more than confession and forgiveness but it is in Christ that we experience the wonders of God’s grace. In Christ we experience what it means to be set free from the things that can only bring death and are raised up to experience abundant life as God’s children. When we share the good news in word and deed, we invite others into this relationship with God. We pray that through the Holy Spirit the good news placed in their ear or on their life will be transported to their heart. And we pray that we stay open to receiving the ongoing gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As Lutherans, we might feel more comfortable sharing the good news in the things that we do for others because we aren’t quite sure what to say. God has a way of using those who don’t speak eloquently and those who struggle to follow. So God can also work through you to share the good news.
– Pastor Steve