The Bible says people will know we are Christians by our love. Not by what we do, or don't do. Not because we go to church every week. Not because we don't drink or because we don't use bad language. Not because we teach Sunday School.
The world will recognize us as Christian if we love one another. And beyond that, if we love people who aren't Christians, too.
It isn't uncommon for us to walk right, dress right and avoid all the wrong places but criticize and condemn our brothers and sisters. We can lead a Bible study but turn our noses up at our neighbor who has a couple of tattoos and yells at her kids.
God has been teaching me a lot lately about love. And I feel like its just a drop in the bucket. Love is HUGE. His love for us is incomprehensible and the love He demands from us is beyond our ability.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Then -- only then-- will people recognize you as a Christian. All the rest is posing unless it is fueled by love.
Read 1 Corinthians 13 again. I'm going to. Also read The Mark of a Christian by Francis Schaeffer.
Powerful post kay...God has been showing me this over and over...thanks
ReplyDeleteI used to love people more than I do now. I don't really know what has changed. I think my spritual gift of mercy isn't functioning quite right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for changing my photo on my blog.
Love you.
Q, why is that? I don't think I love people as much as in the past. Are we burned out? According to the spiritual gift tests, I don't have the gift of mercy, so it must be something else that takes me to the nursing homes. Maybe your gift of mercy has fallen under the feet of the gift of prophecy (?) Love ya, G.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love you too. It's such a joy being your friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Words of Wisdom we all need to be reminded of regularly.
ReplyDeleteI like your new header picture!