Clothing of Christ

My heart breaks amidst all the discord and dissension. Friends and families going at each other over their opinions. It is all so sad…

We are not called to live like this! We are called, yes commanded, to love one another. God didn’t tell us to agree on every topic, as a matter of fact just the opposite. We are to love, to seek out the other’s perspective and be Light and Love to one another.

So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.

John 13:34 & 35 ~ The Voice Version

It would probably do us all a wondermous amount of good to remember that Christ did not come to condemn this world. To live as Christ means, neither should we.  Because here’s the deal with that…God has all the rights to condemn the world. He’s Perfection, we’re not. Our opinions, our perspectives are limited to what we can see, know and formulate. We cannot know another person’s heart and motives and they cannot know ours. And the only truth we can ever truly know is Christ.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.

John 3:17 ~ New Living Translation

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

 No one can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 ~ New Living Translation

And no matter what our thoughts are on any subject, what is with all of this finger pointing and claiming to be “right”? It would be a great idea to stop and ask our own soul, “What is my heart’s motive in all this?...Where is my ‘need’ to be right coming from?”

You have searched me—my heart and soul—awakened me from dreaming and tested me.
    You’ve found nothing against me.
    I have resolved not to sin in what I say.
⁴ The path violent men have followed,
    I will not travel. Violence is not my way.
Your ways and Your voice now guide my journey.

Psalm 17:3 & 4  ~ The Voice Version

When we assume that we have all the answers, we quickly move to thinking the other person must be wrong. And even if that were so, we’re still called to love and not condemn and to encourage those around us into the loving arms of Christ… “I have resolved not to sin in what I say.” . Spewing at and judging others accomplishes the opposite and works as a way of self-elevation. (I’m right + you’re wrong = I’m better)   

All this erects walls, where there should be paths of Peace ~ Digs chasms of chaos, where Grace would build bridges to peoples souls.

 Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient.

Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love.

Ephesians 4:2 ~ The Voice Version

Father, may our prayer be for the clothing of Christ…

 

 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12