Learn For Yourself…
or listen to others only?
'Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”' John 4:39-42
i think those closest to us we would generally tend to believe and can trust what they say is true. when you are given such amazing or good news, it’s hard not to want to check it our yourself. fortunately for the people in town, the life story of what Jesus told the samaritan woman was enough to make her and them accept the words that He spoke. it is only when they saw our Lord and heard Him speak that they truly did ‘believe’.
i’m so glad that we who follow Christ did ‘see’ for ourselves. that our faith, which we must have on our own, was manifested and strengthened when we chose to follow Him too. from hearing, then believing The Gospel, The Good News, we can now grow in our relationship and start sharing.
while i’m open to hearing what people have to say, i do dig into if it is from them or someone else, then check if what they are saying to be sure it is in alignment with The Word of God. if it isn’t, or i can’t confirm so, i dismiss it and try not to think about it. i need to know for myself.
Heavenly Father, thank you that you did place people in my life to speak over me, share The Gospel, that lived out a Christ-like life, pastors who taught me Your Word, who Jesus is. i wouldn’t be where i am today if you didn’t come for me, helped me understand what you were teaching me, and forever changing my life. i am so grateful that you did. in Jesus’ mighty and wonderful name i pray, amen!