​​Paul set an amazing example for believers in showing us how important it is to stand up for the truth of Jesus, while also standing in the gap for those who are young in their faith. The Gentile believers could have easily been swayed into believing a strict adherence to Old Testament law was necessary for their faith, but Paul went to great lengths to continually point them back to the grace of God. Prayerfully, we all have new believers in our lives whom we can pour into and encourage like Paul. In doing so, our own hearts for Jesus grow, and our witness and influence with others grow.

Paul and Barnabas traveled over 600 miles on their first missionary journey, sent out by a diverse church in Antioch. From political leaders to the overlooked and hurting, they shared the good news with everyone they met — and God worked miracles in every heart. As they preached, they faced both opportunities and opposition, but they never lost sight of the story they were part of: Jesus is King, and His love changes everything. That same call is for us today — to trust God with our next step, to see every person as someone God loves, and to remember that we’re all part of a greater story. Wherever we go, let’s follow Jesus boldly, knowing He’s with us every step of the way.

As a Christ-follower, we are not created to go alone. When we enter into this beautiful covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, we are born into the “family” of God. Too many Christians become isolated and therefore they conform to the world and become ineffective in their spiritual lives. God gives us His Church, and every person is important to the Body of Believers. Paul joined with other believers to grow in His faith and to further God’s Kingdom. Find a place to serve, a spiritual mentor and someone you can disciple. The apostle Paul was invested in building God’s Church, and he had a tremendous community around him. Do you? Be intentional in investing in what is eternal and watch God do great things through you!