The cycle of faithfulness is illustrated in this passage. The Lord is our great example. People of faith model the Lord's character and passion to us. We then live that life of faith as an example to others. In other words, the Gospel is more than words! The Gospel is the good news of Jesus taking root in the life of a person until the fruit it bears is enough of an example of the Lord that someone else sees it and begins to live it, too! The Gospel is both caught and taught!

Holy God, thank you for making your character known both in Scripture and in human flesh through Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit, I ask that you form in me the character of Christ so that others may see Jesus in my example and live for him. In the precious name of the Savior Jesus I pray. Amen.