Brotherly Love
The words of 1 Peter 3:8 should ring in our ears continually,
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
When these words change us so that we live our lives in such a manner it is amazing to see the difference. What I have seen of late, even in myself, has not been actions which are derived from lives that live out this verse.
It is true that no one is right about everything. Therefore disagreements will take place. Controversies will arise. When it happens it is up to Christians to live out lives which example the Grace God has given to us. I am not advocating a truly passive lifestyle. There are times when one must make a stand, however in those moments a person’s true colors are shown. When passions are running high and reason has been replaced with emotion a person who has not practiced brotherly love and humility will only fail in his quest.
I have seen many debates recently, most online. What I have rarely seen is any sense of love towards Christians from other Christians. One need not look far in any Christian debate to see hatred, envy, greed, and any other vice come forward. These are not honoring to God. They do not edify the Church nor do they advance the Kingdom. Not everything is black and white at first. Let us all take a little time to evaluate a situation before adding coals to the fire.
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
When these words change us so that we live our lives in such a manner it is amazing to see the difference. What I have seen of late, even in myself, has not been actions which are derived from lives that live out this verse.
It is true that no one is right about everything. Therefore disagreements will take place. Controversies will arise. When it happens it is up to Christians to live out lives which example the Grace God has given to us. I am not advocating a truly passive lifestyle. There are times when one must make a stand, however in those moments a person’s true colors are shown. When passions are running high and reason has been replaced with emotion a person who has not practiced brotherly love and humility will only fail in his quest.
I have seen many debates recently, most online. What I have rarely seen is any sense of love towards Christians from other Christians. One need not look far in any Christian debate to see hatred, envy, greed, and any other vice come forward. These are not honoring to God. They do not edify the Church nor do they advance the Kingdom. Not everything is black and white at first. Let us all take a little time to evaluate a situation before adding coals to the fire.
posted by Madison | 10:16 AM
2 Comments:
thanks Madison.
(John 13:35 ESV) "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
No wonder people call us Christians hypocrites.
Looking at the company Jesus kept, I think he might have preferred a stumbling yet sincerely trying alcoholic to a fiery always-swears-he's-right TV preacher.
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