Be Strong

Read it: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4–7, NIV).

When you think of someone who is strong, what comes to mind? Maybe someone with muscles, someone who works out a lot or someone who looks like they could lift a car. We often think of strength as something physical.

But this week we’re talking about how Jesus showed a very different kind of strength. Strength that looked like serving, humility, listening and gentleness. All things that don’t usually make the highlight reel.

Self-Denial reminds us that true strength isn’t about showing off or proving ourselves. It’s about choosing to love, choosing to put others first, choosing to serve even when it costs us something. Strength, in the way of Jesus, comes from a heart motivated by love.

Self-Denial gives us the opportunity to be strong in the ways that matter most, to pray, to serve, to give and to trust God.

• What does strength look like through the eyes of Jesus? Can you find an example of this in the Bible?
• What are some ways you could be strong and motivated by love this week?

Find a practical way to serve someone this week (as a youth group or individually). Maybe bake something for someone, help tidy a garden or choose another simple act of loving strength.

God, thank You that You are strong and kind. Help us to be strong and kind like You. Show us ways we can use our strength to serve others this week. Strengthen our relationship with You and help our actions be motivated by love. Amen.