ashamed

Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him. (2 Timothy 1:8-12, NRSVue)

I wonder if Jesus will be ashamed of us for the gospel we proclaim?

Here, the author of 2 Timothy says, “Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord… For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do.”

I said author because 2 Timothy is attributed to Paul, but probably did not actually write it. So whoever wrote it assumed Paul’s identity and tells us to not be ashamed of living a life worthy of the gospel. But as I read this, I think of all the things currently happening in the name of Jesus that honestly have nothing to do with Jesus. People using the name of God in vain to make a dollar, and to hold people down and give themselves more.

It honestly makes me wonder, will Jesus be ashamed of us?

Do not be ashamed to live love and be who Jesus called us to be in the face of those using his name for self-promotion.

Live love out loud.