DATE POSTED
Saturday, May 9, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Colossians 4:5-6 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Good News Translation (GNT).

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. ⁶ Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Often, our circumstances have a way of showing us who we really are—our strengths, our flaws, and especially how we represent ourselves as children of the King.

When Paul wrote from prison, I believe the Holy Spirit gave him a fresh perspective on how to speak to the people around him. It’s easy for us to fall into a “church vocabulary” when we’re with other believers, but that language doesn’t always translate to those who don’t know Jesus yet.

We’ve all heard that we might be the only “Bible” some people ever read. The danger is when someone learns a little about Scripture and then looks at our lives, only to see a total contradiction. When they see us acting contrary to God’s Word, they’re left with two choices: they either think they misunderstood the Bible, or they decide we’re hypocrites.

It’s heartbreaking to hear someone say, “If that’s what Christianity is, I want no part of it.” While we can’t control their reactions, we can control our actions. If we live out the “Golden Rule” found in Luke 6:31-35, people will start to see Jesus instead of our flaws and prejudices.

Paul was surrounded by prisoners, a crowd much different from his usual circles. We never know who we’ll run into today, but if we strive to “hide behind the cross,” others will see His likeness instead of our own. If we make it our daily goal to represent Him well, people won’t just see us—they’ll feel like they’ve been in the presence of Jesus.

PRAYER
Loving Jesus, help me to be mindful of my witness today. Let my words and my actions match the heart of Your Word. Holy Spirit, please hide me behind the cross so that when others look at me, they don’t see my prejudices or flaws, but they see the beauty of Jesus. Make me a clear reflection of Your love to everyone I meet. I ask this in the name of Jesus, God’s only Son. Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!