Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB
There are those who name-call and criticize others who do not see things the way they do. They come across as superior in judgment to those they criticize. One example is elections. The badgering will go on and on. The division of who one follows keeps brewing and evaporates unity. I imagine the opposing side has reasons to believe what they do. But no one wants to listen, understand, or change their view. They are right in their mind and won’t tolerate one another's differences. How do we as followers of Christ conduct ourselves to avoid being stirred in the pot with a recipe that only divides?
Truthfully, I feel provoked when I’m being criticized or belittled because of what I believe or
when others make a general statement about a group of people that I may be a part of,
whether it is me being a Christian or a voting preference. I want to tell these people, "Be careful who you criticize." These people could be your neighbors, your doctor, your friend, your hair stylist, a teacher, an EMT, or maybe someone who will save your life one day.
We will have differences in this life with a mixed pot of beliefs, and we can be part of the
ingredient which is love mixed with humility. We are instructed to do nothing out of selfish
ambition, or vain conceit but to value others above ourselves, not just looking out for our
interests but the interests of others as seen in Philippians 2. We don’t have to be silent at all
times but we do have ways to respond that line up with who we imitate and follow, and that is Jesus which we can read more about in Ephesians 4, 5.
Heavenly Father, You are holy and You desire for us to be holy in a world that can be divided by differences. Give us wisdom to navigate in this world as You desire, so that we may imitate You. Give us Your words and Your direction to speak or stay silent as we strive to walk in unity to accomplish Your will and glorify You.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing, or use of this material is prohibited.
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