The Good Life

I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.

John 10:10b (CEV)

Do you feel like being a Christian is just a bunch of rules? Do this, don’t do that. And if you mess up—you are out!

That’s not what Jesus said. One day, after healing a blind man, Jesus started talking about being a shepherd. A good shepherd loves and cares for his sheep. He makes sure they have food. He protects them. He helps them heal. The sheep have a great life because the shepherd is looking out for them.

Jesus said he is the good shepherd, and we are his sheep. He even gives his life for the sheep. Sure, he directs his sheep, but his instructions are for our good, like when a shepherd keeps his flock from going off a cliff or eating poisonous weeds.

The sheep who is loved is content and secure. Life still may be hard, but they know someone is taking care of them. And that’s the good life we can have as we follow our shepherd, Jesus. If we are hurt, he heals or helps us. If we are hungry, he feeds us. If we are lost or lonely, he finds us. And always, he loves us.

Now that’s a good life!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Talk to Jesus. As your good shepherd, he loves to spend time with you. Thank him today for your good life and ask him to help you through any hard times you are facing.

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for being my shepherd. You love and care for me every day. I’m glad I’m your sheep!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Psalm 23:1–4

Ezekiel 34:15–16a

John 15:9–10

Revelation 7:17

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website:www.myherosquad.org.