We both cannot be right . Over the last week and half, I have watched turmoil in the world around me affect the attitudes of the people around me. I have watched the arguments of normally civil people erupt into emotional displays of defensiveness and anger. Many of the people on both sides of the discussion claim to be Christians. Those are the people I am thinking about. It is possible for both to be right? Are political world views independent from what we say believe about God?
Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. ” (John 15:8, NIV) The fruit of the spirit is ” love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV) A little later Jesus himself described the kind of love we are to walk in as Christians. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ” (John 15:12–13, NIV)
God wants us to show that we are His disciples. We do this by walking in love, joy and peace. We grow in the fruit of the Spirit. The transformation of our hearts begins on the inside where God sees and is soon shown on the outside where the world sees. What we say and do is always a reflection of the state of our hearts.
As I have watched those who say they are Christians accuse others who say they are Christians, I cannot help but be grieved that the accusers have failed to understand the grace and love of God. I do not see the fruit of the Spirit of God in the heated discussions.
So here it is. You and I cannot both be right. I will not argue your position from anything except the Word of God. That is my standard. If you would like to discuss the current world environment, I will be happy to do so from a position of love and peace.
When we speak harshly and with anger, the world cannot see that we are disciples. When we speak without love, we do not glorify God.
If you say you are a Christian and your words have been inflammatory and harsh, this is the day to repent. If you say you are a Christian and you do not have peace, this is the day to repent.
If you are a Christian, evaluate what you say and do? Ask yourself these questions: Am I motivated by love for the other person? Am I speaking because I have the joy of the Lord? Do I feel the peace of God in the midst of my circumstances? Am I willing to wait for God’s answer and His timing? Are my words and actions kind to others? Am I faithfully and diligent in proclaiming the nature of God even in difficult circumstances? Are my words gentle and encouraging to those who are struggling?
I want those around me to clearly know that I am a disciple of Jesus. I want them to know this because they see fruit in my life. I too must examine myself.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
