Romans 15:1-2
If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother was a great dancer in her day. She and her sisters grew up dancing while their dad and uncle played the fiddle and other musical instruments and sang. I find this funny – and ironic – because we grew up in a denomination that did not approve of dancing. Yet my grandmother and her dancing sisters were some of the Godliest women I have ever known! Still, we were taught that dancing was wrong – if we danced in public, something bad was bound to happen! We feared for the souls of our Methodist friends up the street who held dances… and enjoyed themselves!
I’m joking just a little… but not totally. Dancing was serious – and sinful -business when I was a teenager! I’m happy to say that attitudes seem to have relaxed a bit… although there will probably not be any dances held at the church of my childhood anytime soon! But my point is this… when people get an idea in their heads, it takes time – and often tenderness and patience – to try and persuade them to change. When someone tells you that all churches are filled with hypocrites who don’t practice what they preach, you will have to lovingly – and patiently – show him/her that you are different… that not all church members fit this description.
When a person is convinced that a loving God can’t exist, or bad things would never happen, you will not change their mind overnight. It will take time… and strong examples of living in faith. You will have to show this person how God uses bad situations for positive outcomes…how the people who go through them can experience His presence and blessings - even in the midst of some pretty nasty conditions.
Bad habits, long-held beliefs, and a history of skepticism cannot be changed overnight. We must exercise tolerance, endurance, and complete unflappability as we share the love of Christ – and His grace, mercy, peace and forgiveness – with others. We may never see a visible change. Evidence of making any inroad may elude us. But when we walk in faith and perseverance – operate in serenity and confidence that God can make a difference – He will do just that. And isn’t this the very essence of Christian faith?
We must learn to be the picture of kindness and sensitivity toward others. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus and reflect His love, grace and mercy to others. We must patiently trust God to change what we cannot… and rely on His perfect timing in these matters. We exhibit faith in God by exercising our own. Are you living by example? How strong is your faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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