Studying in a diverse setting opens up the doors to a wide range of possibilities. Meeting new classmates, new people from different places and different environments. Being a student in any setting is a great blessing. We are given the opportunity to interact with different people, learning from and about them. Coming across people from different environments, different places, different ideas, and learning about their stories. People come from all over the world, and they all come with a different story to tell, ultimately our paths crossing with them at our school campus. It’s a beautiful thing to come across people and share stories of our lives, and it is even more beautiful to be completely understanding and loving to everyone, no matter what they’ve been through, who they are, or what they have done. Jesus has set an example for us, and He has taught us to love everyone unconditionally, always sharing His joy and His word.

I’ve come to learn how important it is for a Christian not to state they are a Christian, but to rather let their actions speak louder. God has taught us about loving unconditionally, loving our enemies, and being understanding to the different situations of people. I believe this world has enough judgment and hate, and instead needs much more love, joy, and understanding. What better people to show unconditional love than through the people of Christ? I mean, God has done so much for every single one of us. He has forgiven us, loved us, changed us, saved us, and made us new. We live and breath to be Christ like people, and there in no better way to do this than to love people in a Christ like way. The bible says; “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12, New Kings James Version) The way we live says a lot about who we are as believers and Christ followers; the words we speak, the way we act and react towards different situations, the way we love, and the way we smile. All these things speak to the world around us, and we maybe don’t realize the type of impact it makes to people, but it truly can make an impression. We are called to live a life filled with Jesus, and with so be a living testimony.

As students, we have been blessed in a unique way, being set in an environment where we can share the love of God with others who may not know about Him. Constantly being surrounded by strangers, people whose stories are unknown to us. People who have shot at a second chance, who deserve to be loved aside from their mistakes. People who God is waiting for to find Him, His grace, and His mercy. God is constantly giving us opportunities to engage with new people, and lead them closer to Him, through our actions and conversations, God wants us to set an example to the world around us. We have been given an amazing opportunity to meet new people day in and day out, and with so the opportunity to show them who God is, and what His love will do for them. Our lives are a living testimony, who we are speaks louder than words, and it is up to us to set an example to the people in our campus, in our class, wherever we may be as a student.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

(1 John 4:7-11, NKJV)

We have been placed where we are for a specific purpose; we have been chosen to lead the life of a student for a reason. Set in a place where we can become more than a student, but a friend and a person who leads people into the love of Christ through simple conversation. In everything we do and everywhere we are, God will use us. He has placed us in the right place at the right time, and with so igniting our purpose. Our purpose as a student studying at a high school, a university, a junior or community college, is to set a good example to those around us, having everyone see the love of God through us and the joy it comes with, leading them into His presence. To teach those around us about an unconditional love, and a Savior who seeks no requirements. The college experience has become something more valuable and everlasting; a journey leading others into the arms of the Savior.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Setting an Example on Campus