Your life matters! You are not a face in the crowd or a number on a chart. You are known by the Creator of the Universe. You have incredible things to share. Everything about you is important!

 

Not certain about that? Check this out.

 

Jesus once said, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34b-35).

 

You are the Sign that points the way to Jesus! Not your neighbor, friend, pastor. You! People need to see how you live and treat others. All you have to do is love one another! Easy, right?

 

Then why are we so quick to judge another life? To tear others down, rather than build them up? Pride? Jealousy? Anger? Envy? Selfish ambition? Hatred? A desire to control? All of the above? And yet, the life we've been called to live is quite different.

 

Build each other up. Warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak. Always try to be kind to everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15) Comfort those in trouble with the comfort God has given you. (2 Corinthians 1:4) Have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12-14) Be merciful to those who doubt. (Jude 22) Forgive others from your heart. (Matthew 18:35)

 

Recently I've been reminded of this Life Calling God has given us. Many are grieving, hurt, sick, lonely, and in deep despair. Thousands upon thousands have thought of suicide. One in particular---a famous actor and comedian---succeeded. And what was a common response? Judgment.

 

Many found him to be selfish or wanting attention. Others claimed he lacked morals and didn't care about his fans. More than a few declared he was simply filled with sin. One deemed his suicide due to involvement in the occult, another from demonic possession.

 

Some spoke of depression as if there were a quick "fix". They know nothing of such darkness where reality struggles against a false world without hope...where one is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death...where a soul cries out, "Stay here with me!" (see Matthew 26:38)

 

Those who so freely judged did not know the man. They could not see into his heart. They had no idea he secretly gave of himself and his resources to those desperately needing someone to love them. Nor was there concern for any grief they might cause his family and friends. They simply did not care. Their judgments were more important than compassion, kindness, humility, or gentleness.

 

Self-proclaimed prophets rise in our worst times. They come to judge, condemn, and tear down. But we follow the Living God and we---you and I---are called to love, encourage, and build up.

 

Your life matters! You are the Sign of God's indescribable mercy. You are the Sign of His eternal compassion. And in life's darkest moments, you are the Sign of the one, certain Hope.