I know its Christmas day , yet my heart is overwhelming burdened by things I've seen on Facebook. Things that's are said "In the name of the Lord- Glory Hallelujah!" And its left me saddened and ashamed. Its left me with a big question...
Does God get the GLORY when we bash other Christians?
In my book, SPARKLE AND SHINE, I dedicated an entire chapter to this subject. The chapter is titled "Dont Shoot One of Your Own" My heart is burdened and concerned over the way Christians are treating one another "all in the name of the Lord"
Friends, Brothers, Sisters in Christ- when we HATE, CRITICIZE, GOSSIP, JUDGE, TEAR DOWN, STOMP ON, SLANDER, or DESPISE one our own; we are allowing the works of the flesh to rule our hearts! None of these attributes belong to the FRUIT of the SPIRIT.
Gal 5:17-26
Can we honor Christ and still disagree, have different opinions, standards, and convictions? Yes, i truly believe we can!
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love . . . And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:2, 32,
"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9
We all think, look, act, believe and live differently. It would be a miracle if we all agreed with each other 100% of the time or thought exactly alike. But why cant we chose to disagree in the SPIRIT of love and peace?
When we fight and tear down one another, we are not reflecting Christ. We are reflecting the works of the flesh, And therefore the world will not see a God shining through us.
As children of God, we belong to the same family. We are on the same side. We are fighting the same enemy. Let's get our focus back on that and back on TRUTH. Quit fighting each other. Fight the enemy!
Going out and reaching your community for the Lord. Letting your LIGHT shine and being a beacon of HOPE to the lost world. Shouldn't that be our main agenda? Not whose right, whose wrong, whose different!
Are we all guilty of failing and judging others?
Yes, we have all failed and judged others.
Yes, we have all criticized and talked negatively.
Yes, we have all hurt others due to our harsh judgments.
But isn't it time for us to make a change?
When we hear gossip, or that a friend thinks or acts differently than us, or that a friend has fallen into sin, how should we - as the body of Christ react?
Please read these next points taken from SPARKLE AND SHINE as some food for thought....
1. We are not the ULTIMATE judge- so dont judge
2. Don't let pride or religious beliefs hinder you from loving others like God loves them.
3. Treat others how you want to be treated- or how you would want a family member treated.
4. Love them
5. Talk to them
6. Pray for them
7. Encourage them
8. Stay humble
9. Let God use you to restore them
10. Dont walk away from them
If you are praying for them, you have no desire to hate on them! There is no room for hatred, wrath, strife, emulation, or sedition when the FRUIT of the Spirit is present.
Please dont allow the world to see hateful Christians!
We will be known by our Fruits! Does your heart reflect love, joy, peace, LONGSUFFERING, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance?
So, back to my original question...Does God get the glory when we (brothers and sisters in Christ) bash each other? Absolutely not!
We become a JOKE to the world.
Please!!!
Please use wisdom, love, grace, tact, and mercy before you use social media for your soapbox.
Let's use this platform that God has given us to build up His name!! And let's go do Kingdom work for Him.
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