1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud…
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Dr.
Randy Hyde, Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little
Rock, Arkansas, delivered a sermon on July 5, 2015, titled
“Conversations About Freedom.” I encourage you to go to http://www.phbclr.com/members/sermons/sermon/?id=252 and read the message for yourself.
Dr.
Hyde shares an exchange he had with a retired and newly widowed friend
in Baltimore who took a job at Walmart as a greeter. When Hyde returned
for a visit recently, the man expressed to his former pastor that he
was not sure how to relate to the large number of customers who shopped
in his store who were Muslim. It was not that the man felt animosity or
disdain toward these people because of their religious preferences or
ethnicity. But he was at a lost about how to relate to them…and how to
share His Christian faith with them. Dr. Hyde sensed that this quandary
was greatly troubling his friend.
Again, I encourage you to read
the sermon for yourself (it’s fairly brief, but full of good
stuff!)…but Dr. Hyde says that he didn’t have a lot of time to visit
with this man and give him a decent answer. After returning home, he
pulled his thoughts together in the form of this message. Essentially,
the pastor wishes he had told his friend that when people come into
Walmart, they are seeking more than a bottle of shampoo or a bag of
mulch…they are seeking love and acceptance…and the freedom to be who
they are without fear of persecution or intimidation.
Now, you
may think this is a stretch…but consider your own life. As you travel
through your day, how do you react to the words and actions of others?
Can a friendly smile change your attitude? Can one glance or a comment
that you construe as negative or critical ruin your whole morning or
afternoon? Do you ever feel judged just by the way people look at you
and react to you? Does something as basic and simple as a wave and
greeting at Walmart – or the lack thereof - have an impact on your
demeanor?
Too often, we underestimate the power of a loving
gesture. We fail to see the effect that a smile can have on another
person. We take for granted the person who strives to be patient,
humble and speak softly with a tone of grace and acceptance. We
remember people who treat us unkindly, criticize or judge, and speak
negatively. But we also remember those who are loving and
merciful…those who offer words of encouragement and offer positive
“vibes.” We remember people who smile a lot and seem to be filled with
joy most of the time!
Which do you suppose has more of an impact
on others? Which best represents Jesus Christ and His message? Which
draws others in rather than creating a divide? Where would you rather
land in this equation…and where do you think God wants you to be?
Dr.
Hyde concluded his thoughts by saying that “kindness and faith come
from the same Source”…and I believe that we can draw more people to
Jesus with a spirit of love, patience, kindness and humility than we
could ever reach with a thousand sermons or criticisms. It is no small
thing that one of Jesus’ greatest commandments to us is to “love one
another.” A smile and a positive attitude are pretty good places to
start…and in doing so, we represent the love of Jesus Christ.
When
we create an atmosphere where all people feel accepted and free to be
themselves, we are demonstrating our confidence that Jesus was right all
along in how He treated people…and we make room for Him to work
in ways great and small. What does your demeanor say to others about
your Christian faith? Are you a walking – and welcoming – example of
the love of Christ? Don’t you think you should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Christian love in action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian love in action. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 3, 2015
1 Timothy 1:14-15
Oh, how kind our Lord was, for he showed me how to trust him and become full of the love of Christ Jesus. How true it is, and how I long that everyone should know it, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I was the greatest of them all.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Nearly thirty years ago, I was tutoring my cousin in math and reading, and there was a Presidential election on the horizon. This then-seven-year-old boy informed me one day that he was supporting George Bush for President…and he added…”No new taxes!” I had to laugh out loud. I knew that he had been listening to the talk of adults. This child didn’t even know what taxes were…much less whether they were or weren’t a good thing! But he formed an opinion early, as all children do. And sometimes these opinions color our thinking well into adulthood.
I know that this is true for me. There were certain people I did not care for – and issues that were totally “black and white” for me – because of what I had heard and observed from others who were older and (I thought) wiser. It took me YEARS to form my own opinions about certain people and situations…and a lot of this shift was definitely a “God thing.”
As I began to understand how sinful we all are…and that Jesus, the Savior who came to rescue me and cover my sins also does that for every other sinner who will accept Him…I had to drop a lot of my judgments and exclusions. I had to look at people as God sees them…imperfect, flawed, and in need of a redemption – just like me! It’s not easy, even today. When someone is being snarky or getting on my last nerve, I have to sometimes even chant to myself, “He/she is a child of God!” When people do “bad things,” I have to understand that I cannot possibly comprehend all that contributed to these actions…and it’s not for me to judge. I have to get over MY irritations and frustrations and see these folks in the same manner that God sees me.
Sometimes I am still aggravated – and at times, even a little critical. But with prayer and conviction, my heart softens…and I find that I am generally more forgiving, tolerant and accepting. I’m not a doormat…and I do guard myself against the caustic nature of certain people or situations…but hopefully, I am perceived as neither arrogant or condescending toward others, either.
My point is that we need to get over ourselves. We’re not “all that and a bag of chips” – at least not any more than the next person. God loves each and every one of us and wants us to turn from our sins and accept salvation through Jesus. We cannot possibly convey this to other people if we are busy judging and discriminating - and tooting our own horns!
So think about your circle of friends and acquaintances today. Consider the people and situations where you have passed judgment and “thrown a stone or two.” Then think about what God has done for you, and remember that He offers this grace, mercy and forgiveness to ALL of us.
If you have not surrendered your sins to the cleansing blood of Jesus, there is no better day than this one. We do not have to cling to the ignorance and innocence of our youth. Jesus offers a better way – even to sinners like you and me. Are you ready to experience the kindness of Jesus and be filled with His love? When others look at you, will they see a forgiven and loving sinner…or someone who feels superior? Are you making a point – or making a difference in Jesus’ name?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Oh, how kind our Lord was, for he showed me how to trust him and become full of the love of Christ Jesus. How true it is, and how I long that everyone should know it, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I was the greatest of them all.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Nearly thirty years ago, I was tutoring my cousin in math and reading, and there was a Presidential election on the horizon. This then-seven-year-old boy informed me one day that he was supporting George Bush for President…and he added…”No new taxes!” I had to laugh out loud. I knew that he had been listening to the talk of adults. This child didn’t even know what taxes were…much less whether they were or weren’t a good thing! But he formed an opinion early, as all children do. And sometimes these opinions color our thinking well into adulthood.
I know that this is true for me. There were certain people I did not care for – and issues that were totally “black and white” for me – because of what I had heard and observed from others who were older and (I thought) wiser. It took me YEARS to form my own opinions about certain people and situations…and a lot of this shift was definitely a “God thing.”
As I began to understand how sinful we all are…and that Jesus, the Savior who came to rescue me and cover my sins also does that for every other sinner who will accept Him…I had to drop a lot of my judgments and exclusions. I had to look at people as God sees them…imperfect, flawed, and in need of a redemption – just like me! It’s not easy, even today. When someone is being snarky or getting on my last nerve, I have to sometimes even chant to myself, “He/she is a child of God!” When people do “bad things,” I have to understand that I cannot possibly comprehend all that contributed to these actions…and it’s not for me to judge. I have to get over MY irritations and frustrations and see these folks in the same manner that God sees me.
Sometimes I am still aggravated – and at times, even a little critical. But with prayer and conviction, my heart softens…and I find that I am generally more forgiving, tolerant and accepting. I’m not a doormat…and I do guard myself against the caustic nature of certain people or situations…but hopefully, I am perceived as neither arrogant or condescending toward others, either.
My point is that we need to get over ourselves. We’re not “all that and a bag of chips” – at least not any more than the next person. God loves each and every one of us and wants us to turn from our sins and accept salvation through Jesus. We cannot possibly convey this to other people if we are busy judging and discriminating - and tooting our own horns!
So think about your circle of friends and acquaintances today. Consider the people and situations where you have passed judgment and “thrown a stone or two.” Then think about what God has done for you, and remember that He offers this grace, mercy and forgiveness to ALL of us.
If you have not surrendered your sins to the cleansing blood of Jesus, there is no better day than this one. We do not have to cling to the ignorance and innocence of our youth. Jesus offers a better way – even to sinners like you and me. Are you ready to experience the kindness of Jesus and be filled with His love? When others look at you, will they see a forgiven and loving sinner…or someone who feels superior? Are you making a point – or making a difference in Jesus’ name?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2014
John 3:18-20
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In her newly revised book, Interrupted*, Christian author/speaker Jen Hatmaker says of the ministry that she and her husband, Brandon, began...”We accepted that the first reaction we should anticipate was skepticism, and the only bridge through that chasm was through sustained, genuine relationships. Care of our fellow man, locally and globally, was our best hope to attract people to our Jesus, far more effective than cool music or impersonal hang-outs. As missionaries have always understood, the key is to study the culture you are passionate about reaching and submerge into that space with respect and love.” Hatmaker describes some of the “postmodern gospel standards” she is noticing...characteristics that many of us might not readily equate with Christian love and ministry in action:
"Talk is cheap." We’ve all heard this phrase...yet we continue to throw words at others and hope they stick. Too many of us are all talk and no action. In the South, we say “Bless your heart” and hope that this conveys our empathy and compassion for the other guy. This phrase is clean, easy, multi-purpose - and relatively painless. And quite frankly, these words are also pretty much worthless. The same goes for “I’m praying for you”...because, often, we’re not...and “I wish there was something I could do to help”...because we really don’t wish this at all!
My cousin Janette told me recently that she is trying to “live with intention”...meaning that she is focusing her time and energy on doing things with purpose. She is making an effort to be keenly aware of what she is doing...and why. And this ties in perfectly with the message of John 3:18-20 and Jen Hatmaker’s book, Interrupted. We have pretty well mastered “talking the talk”...but how many of us are “walking the walk”?
Are we practicing the real love of Jesus...or are we merely giving Him lip service? Do we truly care about the people in our neighborhoods...at work, school, and in the community/world at large? Or are we content to say, “Bless their hearts” and move on with our lives? There IS a difference – and it is HUGE...game changing...KINGDOM changing for all involved!
I’ve quoted the phrase many times that “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” If we do this “love in Christ” thing right, no words will even be necessary (although it’s always nice to hear “I love you”!). When you tell someone you love them...do they know this already? Will your actions toward them back up your claim? Don’t you think they should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Interrupted... When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity ~ ©2014 Jen Hatmaker
http://www.navpress.com/Interrupted-Jesus-Wrecks-Comfortable-Christianity/dp/1631463535#sthash.5x2ghUnb.dpbs
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In her newly revised book, Interrupted*, Christian author/speaker Jen Hatmaker says of the ministry that she and her husband, Brandon, began...”We accepted that the first reaction we should anticipate was skepticism, and the only bridge through that chasm was through sustained, genuine relationships. Care of our fellow man, locally and globally, was our best hope to attract people to our Jesus, far more effective than cool music or impersonal hang-outs. As missionaries have always understood, the key is to study the culture you are passionate about reaching and submerge into that space with respect and love.” Hatmaker describes some of the “postmodern gospel standards” she is noticing...characteristics that many of us might not readily equate with Christian love and ministry in action:
- A sense of global community and care for suffering humanity
- Respect for our earth and its resources
- Authenticity valued over appearance
- A passion for community and honest relationships
- Responsibility and the rejection of consumerism
"Talk is cheap." We’ve all heard this phrase...yet we continue to throw words at others and hope they stick. Too many of us are all talk and no action. In the South, we say “Bless your heart” and hope that this conveys our empathy and compassion for the other guy. This phrase is clean, easy, multi-purpose - and relatively painless. And quite frankly, these words are also pretty much worthless. The same goes for “I’m praying for you”...because, often, we’re not...and “I wish there was something I could do to help”...because we really don’t wish this at all!
My cousin Janette told me recently that she is trying to “live with intention”...meaning that she is focusing her time and energy on doing things with purpose. She is making an effort to be keenly aware of what she is doing...and why. And this ties in perfectly with the message of John 3:18-20 and Jen Hatmaker’s book, Interrupted. We have pretty well mastered “talking the talk”...but how many of us are “walking the walk”?
Are we practicing the real love of Jesus...or are we merely giving Him lip service? Do we truly care about the people in our neighborhoods...at work, school, and in the community/world at large? Or are we content to say, “Bless their hearts” and move on with our lives? There IS a difference – and it is HUGE...game changing...KINGDOM changing for all involved!
I’ve quoted the phrase many times that “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” If we do this “love in Christ” thing right, no words will even be necessary (although it’s always nice to hear “I love you”!). When you tell someone you love them...do they know this already? Will your actions toward them back up your claim? Don’t you think they should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Interrupted... When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity ~ ©2014 Jen Hatmaker
http://www.navpress.com/Interrupted-Jesus-Wrecks-Comfortable-Christianity/dp/1631463535#sthash.5x2ghUnb.dpbs
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