Living Good News Lives In A Bad News World by Kelcy Steele

In a world where negative news often dominates the headlines, it can be tough yet rewarding for believers to embody the message of the Gospel in their daily lives. The gloom of the bad threatens to darken the light we are promised. Gleaning wisdom from the Good News of scripture and our traditions provide a roadmap for cultivating lives brimming with hope, caring, and strength amid challenges. 

The Bible contains verses that urge believers to have faith in God’s presence and assurances when faced with hardships. For instance, Psalm 46:5 emphasizes that “God is our sanctuary and source of strength always ready to help in times of trouble ” prompting us to seek comfort and empowerment in God when facing situations. Psalm 112:70 mentions that those who trust in the Lord will not be afraid of the coming news. These verses emphasize the significance of holding onto faith and trust, in God amidst circumstances.

Jesus’s teachings offer a guide on how to lead a fulfilling, holy life filled with hope for believers by emphasizing the importance of God’s love and grace over pessimism, through his ministry message of repentance and the arrival of the kingdom of heaven. 

John Wesley highlighted the importance of growth through the love of God in shaping character in Methodism’s foundation. According to him, true Christianity involves more than faith or deeds; it is a journey towards becoming a renewed individual in Christ marked by love, for both God and fellow humans. The idea of “holiness and happiness” as proposed by Wesley implies that a life grounded in faith brings happiness and contentment irrespective of external situations. 

This focus on holiness and happiness throughout history has yielded a dedication to justice and service. A testament to the conviction that faith should manifest itself in compassionate deeds and affectionate gestures towards others in need of comfort and support. This commitment entails aiding the ill and impoverished as well as advocating for the marginalized sectors of society; it is a tangible expression of God’s love demonstrated through practical means. The Methodist movement originated from a blend of evangelism, holiness, and societal change efforts; it serves as a blueprint for interacting with the world by demonstrating empathy through both words and actions. 

Looking at this historic wisdom for today, several values emerge:

• Rely on God’s Assurances:  Make it a habit to immerse yourself in the wisdom of scriptures and prayer to anchor yourself in the assurances given by God’s word. 
• Connect with the Community: Get involved in group worship and socialize with believers to deepen your faith and seek comfort in facing life’s obstacles together. 
• Engage in community service and social justice activities: This echoes the value of serving others with love and spreading hope to those facing challenges. 
• Foster Inner Change: We must prioritize our journey with the Holy Spirit and develop our character traits through holiness.  This includes aiming for purity and joy by strengthening our bond with the divine and embodying the fundamental principles of devotion to God and compassion towards others. 
• Joyfully Share the Good News: We spread the word of tidings just as the first followers did by actively, joyfully spreading the message of optimism and salvation that comes from Christ. 

Living by these values enables believers to lead fulfilling lives that not endure the challenges of the world but also radiate as symbols of hope and love – embodying the profound impact of the Gospel.