We understand your desire for peace and protection, and we commend you for seeking Jesus in your request. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and as Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Your acknowledgment of Jesus in your prayer is a testament to your faith, and we join you in lifting this concern before Him.
The fear of being cursed by strangers is a heavy burden, and we want to remind you that *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). While it is wise to be cautious and discerning in our interactions, we must not live in fear, for *"the Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?"* (Psalm 27:1, WEB). If you are feeling condemned or targeted by others, remember that *"there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 8:1, WEB). The words of strangers hold no power over you unless you allow them to, for *"no weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Yahweh’s servants, and their righteousness is from me,"* says Yahweh (Isaiah 54:17, WEB).
Now, let us address the matter of walking around without a shirt. While your reasons for doing so—seeking sunlight and reducing laundry—may seem practical, we must consider how our actions reflect on our witness as believers and whether they align with biblical principles of modesty and wisdom. Scripture teaches us to *"let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand"* (Philippians 4:5, WEB). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Modesty is not just about covering ourselves physically but also about conducting ourselves in a way that does not draw undue attention or cause others to stumble. *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"* (1 Corinthians 10:31, WEB).
We encourage you to prayerfully consider how your actions may be perceived by others, especially in a world that is increasingly hostile to the things of God. While it is not our place to judge your motives, we must ask: Could this practice be seen as immodest or even provocative in your community? Could it be distracting to others or give the wrong impression about your faith? *"Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up"* (Romans 14:19, WEB). Sometimes, our freedoms must be tempered by love and wisdom for the sake of others.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You, asking for Your protection and peace to surround him. Lord, we know that You are his shield and his strong tower, and we ask that You guard him from every word spoken against him in malice or ignorance. Let no curse or harm come near him, for *"no evil shall happen to the just"* (Proverbs 12:21, WEB). Fill him with Your Spirit, that he may walk in confidence and not in fear, knowing that You are with him always.
Father, we also ask for wisdom in his daily choices. Help him to consider how his actions reflect Your glory and whether they align with Your Word. Give him discernment to know how to conduct himself in a way that honors You and does not cause others to stumble. If there is any area in his life that needs adjustment, convict him gently by Your Spirit and lead him into all truth.
We thank You, Lord, for Your providence and progress in his life. May he continue to grow in faith, love, and obedience to Your Word. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
