|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "I'm Not Ashamed To Own My Lord"1
(Lyrics) |
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 – Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. (NRSV)
One of the great sadnesses that I have noticed about this prolonged pandemic has been the constant lack of love when people argue about their personal choices. It's far easier to berate and ridicule our opponents, rather than to have a healthy conversation and exchange fruitful ideas which may get us nearer to solving and ending this crisis. Perhaps, if we, as Christians, were to apply Paul's teaching about love not insisting on its own way, we might be able to combine our focus and strength to get us out of this pandemic pit. Sadly, however, if we keep attacking one another, we'll be continually divided and eventually conquered by a coronavirus which doesn't care about our personal freedom, faith, or notions.
I believe that this is one of the moments in history when the church could make a substantial and crucial difference by showing love and helping folks to care for one another. If we become consumed by our internal divisions, then we'll be guilty of burying the talents of faith, hope, and love which Christ has given to us. If we pander only to those who are like-minded, then we'll be ignoring the empathetic compassion that Jesus urged His disciples to display when He told us to love one another. This is not an individual option either; it's a personal command from Christ.
So, let's all step back from the lines in the sand that we have drawn, and honestly reflect on Christ's love and what it means to be Christians. Let's take time to reconsider what our faith is, and to whom we can effectively and lovingly share it. The world is broken right now. Christ's church can do much to repair it.
Prayer: Lord God, You know us fully, and Your Son expects much of us. Challenge our ways and misconceptions. Fill us with love instead of pride. Grant us compassion, and teach us to be humble. Heal us of all that would harm us, and help us to be whole. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share on Facebook
About the author:
John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Send your feedback to the author
Amen!
Thank you.
Well said, John!
Amen, well said.
Inspiring devotion. Thank you, John.
Peace.
Yes, John. We all need to hear what you’ve written. Thanks for obeying the inspiration.
Thank you, John, for sharing this timely and encouraging devotional reminder! Blessings.
John;
Thank you so much for your message today! May all churches and people of faith show the love and compassion that Jesus taught!
Blessings.
This is so true. We are here to do God’s will, not ours, and part of that is to Love one another, not fight with one another. We need more compassion in this world not wanting our own way at no cost.
Blessings.
Great message John.
The divisions caused by COVID are very sad. I heard this week from my sister that some of our siblings will not call us until we call them because they called last. It made me sad to hear that. I plan to pick up the phone and call them all.
Blessings,
(QC, CANADA)
Thank you, John, for this very mindful devotional. Yes, you are so right during this whole pandemic episode we really must reach out with love and care in great amounts rather than disagreements and negative attitudes. It is just so sad seeing these protests and obnoxious behaviours. May God’s abundant love and guidance carry us forward as we reach out to others in a kind and caring manner.
Blessings for these special writings you do.
Good morning, John,
I look forward to your devotionals because they always teach me or remind me of something that is very important in my faith. I have this verse on a plaque in my home to keep my focus there, but I do not always respond appropriately.
Yesterday I heard what EGO stands for – edging God out. When I see/hear similar messages, I believe God is speaking to me and I need to take note.
I hope many of us who read your devotional will think about how we can react in situations in order to encourage “healthy conversation and fruitful ideas” which may change how a situation unfolds.
Thank you and may you continue to inspire us with your devotionals. Blessings.
My freedom ends, where yours begins. We are responsible for each other.