WEDNESDAY August 20, 2025
Loving People in the Christian Faith
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Titus 3:15
I love this! Paul ended his letter by sending greetings from all those who were with him in Nicopolis to those in Crete. He also expressed in his greeting that he was a recipient of their Christian love and affection. Believers in Crete loved and supported Paul and his companions. There was a unifying love, a tender love, a love that crossed the oceans––a love that was deeply embedded in each heart and soul. It was evident that all those who loved Christ, loved one another.
There were so many different people who helped Paul in his cause for Christianity. They lifted up his hands! Do you remember the story of Moses when he stood on a hill and prayed with the rod of God in his hands? He held up his hands while Joshua was below, fighting the battle against the Amalekites. When Moses lifted his hands, Israel prevailed in battle; but when he began to get tired and lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed (Exodus 17:8-11).
What happened next? Two men, Aaron and Hur, supported Moses’ hands, one on either side of him, until the sun went down. The battle was won. Joshua and his men defeated Amalek with the edge of the sword (Exodus 17:12-13).
Listen, we learn so much from this story. When we lift up a leader’s arms in the battle, the battle is won. Prayer in battle is essential. Also, when we lift up our hands to the Lord, it is a sign of submission and an active way of expressing a life surrendered to His will. God will give you the grace you need for the battle. It will be accomplished in His strength and not your own.
Over the last 50 years, I have had men and women serve alongside me who have held my hands up. They have shown love to me and all those in the faith. Do you know of someone who is facing tremendous battles? Will you hold up their hands today?
The whole being of any Christian is faith and love. Faith brings the person to God, love brings the person to people.
~Martin Luther~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
