Lovefast 15: Identity - Shame

Image: chrisjohnbeckett, Flickr

Lovefast 15: Identity

By Simon from Mahabba Derby
Inspired by 'Disability among tribal families of the Middle East' from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Daily verse

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

— Colossians 3:2-4, NIVUK

Thought for the day

Identity

Honour, shame, fear - each of these is woven into the lives of Muslim families around the world.

As we read today, the shame factor surrounding disability - the shame felt by parents that they have not borne a fully healthy child.

Fear and honour are an equally important part part of life for Muslims, and one influences the other as life causes imbalance and families scrabble to put in place counterbalances.

As Christians, we can identify with this: on a personal level we experience these emotions, and we see this life and culture through stories in the Bible.

And yet we know that in Christ we find our ultimate identity and calling in life, wherever our imperfections may lie.

Jesus accepts us as we are, but calls us to great things.

This is the hope that we have in Jesus that we can share with Muslims during the 30 days of Ramadan.

Today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet

Inspiration for today's entry - click to open

Prayer for the day

Pray for a Muslim friend, colleague or neighbour that you would get an opportunity to share about how your identity in Christ changes your outlook to life. Pray that the Holy Spirit would plant a seed in that individual's life.

Daily action

Look for an opportunity off the back of the prayer above. Ask a Muslim about his or her weekend. If you went to church, mention what you did and share something that God said to you or did. Ask your Muslim friend if there is anything he or she would like God to do today.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with #lovefast or #30dop hashtags on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!