What are you known for? Think about it for a minute. Are you known for being a great parent, a stellar employee/employer, a servant, a peacemaker, joyful, teacher, gracious…. We could go on and on. I am wondering what I am known for? Those are all great traits, but Jesus said, they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another. The Passion Translations puts it this way:
“So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” John 13:34-35 (TPT)
In a world that seems to have gone crazy, it is imperative that we don’t fall into the world’s traps. We are called to love each other. It is easy to say we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, but do our actions demonstrate it? The world is arguing with each other, judging, condemning, and even lashing out at one another. What about the church? Do we look different? Are we walking in love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ who think differently than we do? Sometimes we can have such a strong opinion or even a compelling conviction that we express it in ways that may not come across as very loving. Maybe we think our denomination is right and others are wrong. Maybe we hold to certain political beliefs or have strong thoughts on masks/no masks, vaccine/no vaccine.
Ponder this: Can we disagree, hold to our convictions and still walk in love? The answer is a resounding YES! That is what makes Christians different from the world. Our Father God never tells us to do something that He does not equip us to accomplish.
Let’s look at what the Bible has to say.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:24-25 (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously – take God seriously. Micah 6:8 (MSG)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
So, how do we hold true to our convictions and still love our brothers and sisters when we disagree? Here are few tips:
- Ask God to help you, and to show you when to speak and when to be quiet.
- Make the choice to honor God with your words.
- Choose the right time, place, and avenue to share your thoughts. Ask God.
- Learn to walk away.
- Check your motives.
- Be bold as a lion; gentle as a lamb.
- Most importantly: Let the Holy Spirit lead you!
Written by Collette Sawyer.
