Love… Is NOT Hateful
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)
WE’RE CALLED to love God first, our neighbors next– and enemies we think don’t deserve it.
P.S. A modern update: Social media has INCREASED the size of our neighborhood. “Neighbors” are watching how we walk and talk.
WE’RE CALLED to respect our government’s laws, work wholeheartedly for unkind bosses, and go the extra mile in trying times.
WE’RE CALLED to honor (respect) our parents, obey our rulers, turn the other cheek, and assist family members in need– regardless of how they act: good or bad.
WE’RE CALLED to treat outsiders, poor people, and the least among us with compassion.
WE’RE CALLED to unite with other Christians (even if they worship differently), so the world might come to believe in Him.*
God didn’t call us to condemnation, accusation, or caustic words toward people who choose to live differently– even if hating them seems justified. Only the Lord is qualified to judge.
‘Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand’ (Romans 14:4).
Pause to consider:
At the root of detestable actions (like putting innocent saints in prison or even captaining a slave ship) is a SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS caused by evil principalities and powers.
Demons are our enemies– not people! Because even the worst of men (like Paul was, or slave-trader, John Newton, who was transformed and wrote Amazing Grace)... may (yes! by amazing grace) be redeemed.
Because we serve a God 'Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth' (1 Timothy 2:4).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Love is the top, middle, and bottom line in your mission as Christ’s ambassadors. This reminder seems unnecessary, since Jesus is SO CLEAR on this subject. Nevertheless, the king of con deceives, and we must resist all temptations to hate.
Love… Is NOT Hateful (Part 6)
* 'That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me' (John 17:21).
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!