Be Different - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - June 15
Be Different
By: Victoria Riollano
Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. - John 13:35
This summer, my family and I discovered a new show called Songland. The premise of the show is to bring aspiring songwriters in front of producers to create the next hit. As one who has a heart for writing and music, I was hooked from episode one. Out of all the episodes, however, the most memorable one would be where the song, “Be Nice” was created. The words and idea of the chorus are relatively simple.
“Be different
Be nice
Just smile
I promise it will change your life.”
Within moments of hearing the song, we knew this would become a family favorite for our home. Even months later, we sing it and say the words over and over when someone isn’t being nice. Yet, as I think of these phrases, I am completely aware that in today’s time being different and choosing to simply be kind may be a stretch for some. But, what would happen if we were intentional about others? What would happen if those who profess Christ wore their kindness for others as a garment? What if each of us chose to be the hope, be the change, and be different?
Could it be that our kindness opens the door for others to accept Christ?
The truth is, no one willingly follows an unkind or hot-tempered person to a bible study or church service. Instead, it will be our choice to be different and lead with love that will cause others to want to be a part of what we are passionate about.
We find this concept of loving others and drawing them closer to God throughout the Bible. Even God himself leads with purposeful love.
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. - Jeremiah 31:3
With his unfailing kindness, He draws us in. In my mind, I see His love as a hook that draws us in. His love makes us want to come closer. Much like a fish who simply can’t resist the bait, so are we when we are presented with God’s unrelenting love. How powerful would it be if every Christian loved like Christ? I am convinced that churches would be full and the act of giving love would be contagious. Though we shouldn’t just treat people well in hopes that they will follow us to Christ, we recognize that there is enough hate to go around that we can choose to be different.
Today, I encourage you to be different. Ask the Lord to show you new ways to love people. Perhaps, you can be different by choosing to talk to “that co-worker” that no one likes. Maybe the Lord will lead you to give a compliment or even pray for a stranger. Whatever the case may be, my prayer is that as you go about your everyday life, you seek the Lord constantly for ways to be different. As we show His love at every moment we can, we remind people of the amazing God we serve. After all, they will know we are His by the love we share.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35
Victoria Riollano is an author, blogger, and speaker. As a mother of six, military spouse, Psychology professor and minister’s wife, Victoria has learned the art of balancing family and accomplishing God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Recently, Victoria released her book, The Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional on Living A Victorious Life. Her ultimate desire is to empower women to live a life of victory, hope, and love. She believes that with Christ we can live a life that is ALWAYS winning. You can learn more about her ministry at victoryspeaks.org.
Related Resource: Instead of Doing More This Summer, Maybe You Need to Do Less
If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
