I am always in the process of learning. Jesus is continually taking me deeper. As I move forward I long to make sense of everything around me. Or maybe I long for heaven and home? However, it is better to get to know Jesus, and understanding will come, (Phil 3:10 ESV).
Without Jesus my natural instinct is to make sense of things by pointing fingers, and elevating my righteous choices over another’s, (Romans 3:23).
And I pause…..If Christ in his mercy has called me, then how do I respond to my brother, (1 Timothy 1:15-16)?
The power of God’s Word, along with a recent discussion with a mentor, is teaching me to analyze how I think, and react to the world around me. Just because I believe in Christ, doesn’t mean I’m incapable of making bad judgement calls.
Why do we alienate those who have made different choices than ourselves? We may tell ourself it is because we want people to do the right thing, according to the scripture. Who does that sound like? Someone more concerned with the right religious act, than the value of one’s soul, (Matthew 23:23,24).
Is it wrong to hang out with those who do not believe, or do not abide by God’s commandments? Who did Jesus hang out with, (Luke 19:1-10)? And once a relationship was established what did he ask for, (John 8:11)?
We alienate others because of fear, (Matthew 10:28)?
Is it possible we are afraid to befriend a specific person because of what others may think? Are we afraid we’re not equipped to explain our faith? Then we need to get equipped, (1 Peter 3:15). And here’s a reality check, are we living in such a way that someone wants to know about our faith?
Are we afraid others may cause us to question our beliefs? Can that not be part of the process of working our faith out daily, (Phil 2:12,13)?
If we are seeking first the Kingdom, and His righteousness, we need not be afraid, (Matthew 6:33).
If we are abiding in Him, He is abiding in us, (John 15:4).
In this atmosphere we are unafraid, and excited about the relationships Jesus will bring into our lives, and the faith conversations we will have about Him, (John 14:6).
We do not have to be afraid (John 16:33).
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