Converge, Week 5

Day 5: Prepared for the Mission
Devotional
Cultural engagement isn’t something we stumble into unprepared - it requires intentional preparation and courage. Just as a soldier trains before battle and an athlete prepares before competition, we must equip ourselves for the conversations and challenges ahead. This preparation involves three key areas: knowing Scripture deeply, developing our ability to articulate truth clearly, and building courage for difficult moments. First, we must be students of God’s Word, understanding not just what the Bible says but why it says it. Second, we need to practice explaining biblical concepts in ways that make sense to people who don’t share our worldview. Third, we must cultivate courage, knowing that standing for truth will sometimes cost us comfort, popularity, or even relationships. The mission is clear: we’re called to represent Christ faithfully in every sphere of influence He’s given us. This isn’t about winning arguments - it’s about winning hearts by demonstrating the beauty and truth of God’s design. When we’re prepared, we can engage with both grace and truth, offering hope to a world that desperately needs to know their Creator. The harvest is ready, and God has positioned you exactly where you are for such a time as this.
Bible Verse
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
Reflection Question
What specific steps will you take this week to better prepare yourself for faithful cultural engagement in your sphere of influence?
Quote
Who will define your mission? Jesus or sinful man?
Prayer
Father, prepare my heart and mind for the conversations ahead. Give me wisdom, courage, and love as I represent You in this world.

Converge, Week 5

Day 4: Reality Points to the Creator
Devotional
There’s something powerful about acknowledging reality as God designed it. When we affirm biblical truth about gender, marriage, family, and moral order, we’re not just making cultural statements - we’re pointing people toward their Creator. Reality itself is evangelistic because it reveals the character and design of the One who made all things. Every time we help someone see God’s design clearly, we create an opportunity for them to encounter the Designer. When we explain why marriage between a man and woman reflects God’s covenant love, we’re sharing the gospel. When we affirm the beauty of biblical gender roles, we’re revealing God’s intentional creativity. When we stand for the sanctity of life, we’re declaring the value God places on every human being. This is why cultural engagement isn’t separate from evangelism - it’s a form of evangelism. People who learn to acknowledge reality in one area of life become more open to acknowledging the ultimate reality: that God exists, that He loves them, and that He offers them salvation through Jesus Christ. Our faithful witness to God’s design in everyday matters prepares hearts to receive the greatest truth of all.
Bible Verse
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27
Reflection Question
How can you use conversations about God’s design in everyday life as opportunities to point others toward their need for a relationship with their Creator?
Quote
People who acknowledge reality lead people to God, who created reality.
Prayer
Lord, help me see every conversation about Your design as an opportunity to share Your love. Use my witness to draw others to You.

Converge, Week 5

Day 3: True Kindness Tells the Truth
Devotional
Our culture has confused kindness with niceness, but they’re not the same thing. Niceness avoids difficult conversations to maintain comfort. Kindness engages difficult conversations to promote genuine wellbeing. A nice person tells you what you want to hear. A kind person tells you what you need to hear. When we speak biblical truth about God’s design for life, relationships, and morality, we’re often accused of being harsh or unloving. But consider this: is it more loving to affirm someone in a path that leads to destruction, or to lovingly point them toward life? Is it kinder to let someone believe a lie that feels good temporarily, or to share the truth that brings eternal freedom? Real love sometimes wounds in order to heal. A surgeon’s scalpel causes temporary pain to remove what threatens life. Similarly, biblical truth can initially sting because it exposes our need for God’s grace and transformation. But this momentary discomfort leads to lasting healing and hope. When we choose truth over temporary comfort, we offer the greatest kindness possible - the opportunity for someone to know their Creator and find their true purpose.
Bible Verse
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. - Proverbs 27:6
Reflection Question
Think of a relationship where you’ve been choosing ‘niceness’ over ‘kindness’ - how might speaking truth in love actually serve that person better?
Quote
Advocating for reality is kindness.
Prayer
God, give me wisdom to know when to speak and courage to choose kindness over mere niceness. Help me love others enough to tell them the truth.