There is nothing that honors God more when his people live together in unity. This is to be lived out in spite of our many differences, including how we think theologically and politically. If love doesn't prevail so that we not only get along with each other, but love one another, then something is wrong.
This means how we carry ourselves and share in areas of disagreement matters. Some Christians are sharp tongued; not that I can't be or haven't been. I can react in rather blunt fashion, which can end up doing more harm than good. We do need to speak truth in love, as we understand the truth. But we need to do so with much humility, remembering that we all know in part. And we need to avoid character attacks which seem to have become acceptable in our society, even among many Christians. Speak the truth in love and leave the judging to God, while holding on to discernment. I don't trust the words of those who attack others. I say that sadly. Not to say I don't trust any of their words, or even many of them. But that is a fault to be repented of and uprooted.
Yesterday it was so wonderful to see unity lived out on our team. To see those who haven't always seen eye to eye work well together with each other, I being one of those parties. And I felt that God's blessing was on us as a team, that God smiled on us with an extraordinary good day in getting needed work done.
What about you? What place does unity in Jesus have in your eyes, and how do you think God looks at it?
Showing posts with label mutual love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mutual love. Show all posts
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
more grace
Although James 4:6 in context means something different, we can know in our struggles that "more grace" is available to us, in Jesus.
We've all been in situations that were difficult, because of the people we have relationships to. Not to say that none of the difficulty is due to us. But I'm thinking of those who may be domineering, critical, harsh, judgmental, etc.
Sometimes I figure I'm near "the end of my rope." There's nothing left, and I'm read to bail out.
But God's call to us in Christ is higher. After all, isn't it a call to love even our enemies? We are told "as much as lies in us" we're to live at peace with all people. This is not just a "live and let live" kind of peace. But more than that, it's a peace that longs for the blessing of the other, the ultimate, lasting blessing being found in Christ.
So we need to pray and ask God for "more grace." I've found he gives it to us, and that there are "grace moments" when his love again can reign supreme, even if our capacities for it are still small.
This prayer, and need for "more grace" will be ongoing, no doubt. We can never think we've arrived in this life. But this promise along with faith presents opportunities for not only personal change, but relational change, akin and even attuned to the reality we have in the God who is love.
What would you like to add to these "notes"?
We've all been in situations that were difficult, because of the people we have relationships to. Not to say that none of the difficulty is due to us. But I'm thinking of those who may be domineering, critical, harsh, judgmental, etc.
Sometimes I figure I'm near "the end of my rope." There's nothing left, and I'm read to bail out.
But God's call to us in Christ is higher. After all, isn't it a call to love even our enemies? We are told "as much as lies in us" we're to live at peace with all people. This is not just a "live and let live" kind of peace. But more than that, it's a peace that longs for the blessing of the other, the ultimate, lasting blessing being found in Christ.
So we need to pray and ask God for "more grace." I've found he gives it to us, and that there are "grace moments" when his love again can reign supreme, even if our capacities for it are still small.
This prayer, and need for "more grace" will be ongoing, no doubt. We can never think we've arrived in this life. But this promise along with faith presents opportunities for not only personal change, but relational change, akin and even attuned to the reality we have in the God who is love.
What would you like to add to these "notes"?
Friday, May 08, 2009
loving the person
We all have issues. Sadly sometimes we lose fellowship with someone over them. It might be over a sin, or not, but our attitude because of it can become a sin. Perhaps it's over something we don't like about someone, an annoyance. It may or may not involve sin, but it gets to us, just the same.
I had one such problem recently and it came to me somehow, that I need to make a clear distinction between the person, and what I perceived to be a wrong attitude coming from them. After that thought came to me and I sought to do it, almost immediately, as God would have it, this person and I had a friendly conversation and it just seemed like a cloud had been lifted so that the sun was shining down on us and our relationship.
I find that I need to keep putting this in practice with something like the axiom in mind, "Hate the sin, but love the sinner." Or simply look over their faults and shortcomings, and see the person, as one like myself. One loved greatly by God. Having flaws and sins. But a person with whom relationship with, should be sacred, since we are made in God's image. And hopefully they will learn to cut for me the same slack.
What would you like to share here on this?
I had one such problem recently and it came to me somehow, that I need to make a clear distinction between the person, and what I perceived to be a wrong attitude coming from them. After that thought came to me and I sought to do it, almost immediately, as God would have it, this person and I had a friendly conversation and it just seemed like a cloud had been lifted so that the sun was shining down on us and our relationship.
I find that I need to keep putting this in practice with something like the axiom in mind, "Hate the sin, but love the sinner." Or simply look over their faults and shortcomings, and see the person, as one like myself. One loved greatly by God. Having flaws and sins. But a person with whom relationship with, should be sacred, since we are made in God's image. And hopefully they will learn to cut for me the same slack.
What would you like to share here on this?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
communication breakdown
We had a wonderful chapel today, a speaker (I can't recall his name, but will insert it here, later) who was once a part of the Acton Institute. He spoke from Joshua 22 and also told the story of the USS Maine and how the explosion which took place on it, killing all 266 men, may have been due to the furnace being next to the gun powder, or for other reason, other than Spain purposefully doing it. Though investigated time and again, there is no conclusive evidence as to how or why that actually happened. But at the time it was concluded that the ship had been attacked, and so began the Spanish-American War.
Back to Joshua 22, the nine and one half tribes bent over backwards to understand just why the two and half tribes of Israel, east of the Jordan had actually built an altar, in clear violation of God's command, and on their side of the Jordan! Before going to war against them, they even graciously offered that if things were bad in the land east of the Jordan where they had settled, they could cross over and share the land west of the Jordan with the rest of Israel. So they wanted to avoid war. The two and a half tribes were able to explain that the altar was not for use as an altar, but as a reminder to the nine and a half tribes, that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan were too, the Lord's people.
The speaker adeptly applied this to the church: how we are one body, with one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father. But how we often don't live this out well before the world. And a big part of that is failing to be completely humble, gentle and patient, bearing with each other in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
I know I can fail because I can too easily jump to conclusions. First of all, I need to check from the outset any thoughts I might have. Instead of putting any weight on any surmisings I may have, I instead need to pray, and then perhaps ask questions to really find out what any problem might be.
If we fail to do this, we can be miserable, quickly. We can be prone to the devil's lies, and indeed we're good enough at deceiving ourselves without any help. I did this yesterday, by thinking something was evident when it was not. Fortunately it was fairly easily resolved, but it contributed to some misery for me.
What about you? What would you like to communicate concerning communication?
Back to Joshua 22, the nine and one half tribes bent over backwards to understand just why the two and half tribes of Israel, east of the Jordan had actually built an altar, in clear violation of God's command, and on their side of the Jordan! Before going to war against them, they even graciously offered that if things were bad in the land east of the Jordan where they had settled, they could cross over and share the land west of the Jordan with the rest of Israel. So they wanted to avoid war. The two and a half tribes were able to explain that the altar was not for use as an altar, but as a reminder to the nine and a half tribes, that the tribes on the other side of the Jordan were too, the Lord's people.
The speaker adeptly applied this to the church: how we are one body, with one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father. But how we often don't live this out well before the world. And a big part of that is failing to be completely humble, gentle and patient, bearing with each other in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
I know I can fail because I can too easily jump to conclusions. First of all, I need to check from the outset any thoughts I might have. Instead of putting any weight on any surmisings I may have, I instead need to pray, and then perhaps ask questions to really find out what any problem might be.
If we fail to do this, we can be miserable, quickly. We can be prone to the devil's lies, and indeed we're good enough at deceiving ourselves without any help. I did this yesterday, by thinking something was evident when it was not. Fortunately it was fairly easily resolved, but it contributed to some misery for me.
What about you? What would you like to communicate concerning communication?
Friday, March 13, 2009
a taste of heaven
I find it wonderful when in conversation with someone as with my mother yesterday on her birthday, there is in the air something like a taste of heaven. This happens among us in Jesus when we enjoy each other's company, and especially so when we're together to meet before the Lord. Of course by grace and through the Spirit we're always living in God's presence.
Sadly in this life we can experience a taste of hell, as well. I think of sins of the tongue here. Of course both the good and the bad begin in the heart. We think unworthy thoughts of others, maybe with some truth in them though surely distorted. And sooner or later if we don't deal with such thoughts through repentance and prayer, we find ourselves acting and speaking from them.
The grace found in Jesus is what can make the difference here. It is a grace which by faith realizes that in Christ our own sins have been forgiven, and God therefore deals with us in love as God's dear children. And so we are to see others in Jesus in the same way, as those of our family in Jesus. And look at those outside of Jesus as ones for whom Christ died. And who are invited through Christ to join us.
What would you like to say about this?
Sadly in this life we can experience a taste of hell, as well. I think of sins of the tongue here. Of course both the good and the bad begin in the heart. We think unworthy thoughts of others, maybe with some truth in them though surely distorted. And sooner or later if we don't deal with such thoughts through repentance and prayer, we find ourselves acting and speaking from them.
The grace found in Jesus is what can make the difference here. It is a grace which by faith realizes that in Christ our own sins have been forgiven, and God therefore deals with us in love as God's dear children. And so we are to see others in Jesus in the same way, as those of our family in Jesus. And look at those outside of Jesus as ones for whom Christ died. And who are invited through Christ to join us.
What would you like to say about this?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
tough love
Tough love holds people accountable. Too often I think we Christians sweep sins under the rug that we really ought to confront in love. It's true that "love covers over a multitude of sins." I think there are surely plenty of times when we need to look past sins of others. But there is a time to lovingly confront a brother or sister who is sinning.
We do each other no favor by simply ignoring sins. I do not grow if I'm not called on the carpet for sin, neither does my fellow Christian grow if I don't seek to help them see their fault and need for change.
This is exceedingly hard. And it's better to remain silent and pray, than to come on in a harsh manner. Better to empathize and ask questions than ramrod "the truth" down the sinner's throat.
But at the same time unless the error of one's ways is not brought to light, there can be no hope of repentance unto life. I think of one sin prevalent among so many of us: the sin of the tongue. We grumble against each other, we talk about so and so, etc. I learned to hate such sins early on, since I saw firsthand the damage they did to others. Though I can fall into the same sin as I take apart those who are so sinning.
Unless we're willing to confess as well as be corrected in the Body of Christ, we really are not living out the community in Jesus that we in Jesus are. Tough love means we are willing to be held accountable, and willing to hold others accountable- before God and before each other.
Much more to say on this. Would you like to add something?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
trying to connect
A reminder that next Wednesday, May 7 I plan to begin blogging chapter by chapter weekly from L.L. Barkat's new book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places. We will begin with chapter 1, "Stepping Stones - conversion." If you don't order it, your local Christian bookstore may have it, or any bookstore. It's a great read and like the best books is good to take slow. Let's think together over it.
Yesterday I posted in the morning as I normally do lately, and received no comments throughout the day. In a way I don't care, but in another way I do. I don't keep track of who or how many people are coming to this blog: no site meter, though I realize there may be readers, and are, who don't always comment. But I do blog to share with others and this sharing is give and take.
Trying to connect with others is important for us in Jesus and somewhat related to the belated post I did last evening after erasing the morning post. It's kind of a mystery as to how it happens. I have a simple gift of sharing and try to do so in a straightforward, simple way, of my faith and our faith together in Jesus.
This reminds me of Paul's words in his zeal and passion to share Christ with others, how he had become all things to all people that he might by all possible means, save some. He did this in word and in deed I take it. Without sinning we need to get where people are, and appreciate the good there as well as listening to them and learning their perspective. So that we might be enabled by the Spirit to share Jesus with them as we seek to befriend them with no strings attached.
This is a meandering post, but what ways do you see helpful in trying to connect with others? Or any thoughts on this.
Yesterday I posted in the morning as I normally do lately, and received no comments throughout the day. In a way I don't care, but in another way I do. I don't keep track of who or how many people are coming to this blog: no site meter, though I realize there may be readers, and are, who don't always comment. But I do blog to share with others and this sharing is give and take.
Trying to connect with others is important for us in Jesus and somewhat related to the belated post I did last evening after erasing the morning post. It's kind of a mystery as to how it happens. I have a simple gift of sharing and try to do so in a straightforward, simple way, of my faith and our faith together in Jesus.
This reminds me of Paul's words in his zeal and passion to share Christ with others, how he had become all things to all people that he might by all possible means, save some. He did this in word and in deed I take it. Without sinning we need to get where people are, and appreciate the good there as well as listening to them and learning their perspective. So that we might be enabled by the Spirit to share Jesus with them as we seek to befriend them with no strings attached.
This is a meandering post, but what ways do you see helpful in trying to connect with others? Or any thoughts on this.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
sons and daughters of encouragement
It is wonderful to be around people who are encouraging. The atmosphere is different than your normal spaces of life in which, too often, cynicism seems to win the day. And it takes everyone in this mix to add their bits of encouragement. Some are especially gifted in this way and we need people like that.
The bottom line in all of this is love. Do we love one another enough to think well of each other? This can be hard when the one we're thinking about does not think well of others, themselves. The ones Jesus came down hard on in his day were those who were hard on others, always thinking they were better.
Some think it's less manly to bend over backwards to show love to others and not offend them unnecessarily. And to think otherwise is evidence that one is thin-skinned.
I'm not at all impressed with that kind of thinking, because even in sharing the truth, we're to do so in love, knowing that we're as prone to error and sin, in ourselves, as anyone else. Those who think they have it all together are the ones who need the most help. And it can be difficult to reach them since they think they're better, at least it seems that way as you hear them put others down in subtle and not so subtle ways. They are to be pitied, and maybe there's not much more we can do for them than to pray, which in itself is the greatest thing we can do for others, anyhow, and can lead to us helping them in deed and word. Not that we all haven't been there at times, because I'm afraid I have, even if mostly in reaction to such people.
But it's wonderful to be a part of a group in which encouraging and helping each other is at the forefront of all that is being done. We need more of that, and we need to be thankful for our brothers and sisters who are especially gifted there, and often in positions of leadership which help facilitate that among the people they are serving.
What thoughts might you like to share on this?
The bottom line in all of this is love. Do we love one another enough to think well of each other? This can be hard when the one we're thinking about does not think well of others, themselves. The ones Jesus came down hard on in his day were those who were hard on others, always thinking they were better.
Some think it's less manly to bend over backwards to show love to others and not offend them unnecessarily. And to think otherwise is evidence that one is thin-skinned.
I'm not at all impressed with that kind of thinking, because even in sharing the truth, we're to do so in love, knowing that we're as prone to error and sin, in ourselves, as anyone else. Those who think they have it all together are the ones who need the most help. And it can be difficult to reach them since they think they're better, at least it seems that way as you hear them put others down in subtle and not so subtle ways. They are to be pitied, and maybe there's not much more we can do for them than to pray, which in itself is the greatest thing we can do for others, anyhow, and can lead to us helping them in deed and word. Not that we all haven't been there at times, because I'm afraid I have, even if mostly in reaction to such people.
But it's wonderful to be a part of a group in which encouraging and helping each other is at the forefront of all that is being done. We need more of that, and we need to be thankful for our brothers and sisters who are especially gifted there, and often in positions of leadership which help facilitate that among the people they are serving.
What thoughts might you like to share on this?
Monday, April 21, 2008
loving each other
To love one another is a command that Jesus insisted had primacy for his disciples, just before he was to depart from them. I say depart, because even though after his death and resurrection, he appeared to them over a period of forty days, it still wasn't the same. This chapter was coming to a close, the time he has been with them day and night during his earthly ministry.
And Jesus qualified this command in shocking terms that was beyond the disciples at that point, and apart from grace remains beyond us today. We're to love each other as brothers and sisters in Jesus, just as Jesus has loved us. Or in the words of Jesus' command to his disciples, "Love one another, as I have love you."
I want to love others in this way, and I need their love in return just as much. This means an awful lot of patience and grace and mercy at times. I know I need it sometimes. And just as I know that, I need to readily extend it to others.
As we learn to practice this kind of love, in which we're not only willing to lay down our lives for each other as Jesus did, but we live that out from day to day in sacrificial love, we also can learn to love the world as Jesus did. Jesus practiced love to his enemies, asking the Father to forgive them during his darkest hour on the cross (though his time in Gethsemane may have been even darker).
This love is not bereft of truth. Indeed, we must live it out in truth. Love is not love apart from the truth as it is in Jesus. Neither is truth really truth if not in the love of God found in Jesus. Truth and love must be joined together, and this is only possible in Jesus.
I'm glad for brothers and sisters in Jesus who love us maturely enough to tell us the truth about ourselves. Actually I've found that such people are few and far between. Sometimes this is so because one loves well and in the truth in Jesus, but is just not far enough along in their Christian walk to be comfortable or ready to do that. But as we grow and mature in Christ, we need to be ready in love, in the love of God in Jesus, to gently bring truth when needed into a brother or sister's life.
I'm grateful for the few who are willing to tell me the hard things about myself, but do so as those who love me as a brother or sister. And in turn I want to be ready to help others in the same way, remembering my own weakness as I in no way or sense look down on them.
Just a few thoughts on loving each other as God in Jesus has called us to do.
What might you like to add to this, or share concering it?
And Jesus qualified this command in shocking terms that was beyond the disciples at that point, and apart from grace remains beyond us today. We're to love each other as brothers and sisters in Jesus, just as Jesus has loved us. Or in the words of Jesus' command to his disciples, "Love one another, as I have love you."
I want to love others in this way, and I need their love in return just as much. This means an awful lot of patience and grace and mercy at times. I know I need it sometimes. And just as I know that, I need to readily extend it to others.
As we learn to practice this kind of love, in which we're not only willing to lay down our lives for each other as Jesus did, but we live that out from day to day in sacrificial love, we also can learn to love the world as Jesus did. Jesus practiced love to his enemies, asking the Father to forgive them during his darkest hour on the cross (though his time in Gethsemane may have been even darker).
This love is not bereft of truth. Indeed, we must live it out in truth. Love is not love apart from the truth as it is in Jesus. Neither is truth really truth if not in the love of God found in Jesus. Truth and love must be joined together, and this is only possible in Jesus.
I'm glad for brothers and sisters in Jesus who love us maturely enough to tell us the truth about ourselves. Actually I've found that such people are few and far between. Sometimes this is so because one loves well and in the truth in Jesus, but is just not far enough along in their Christian walk to be comfortable or ready to do that. But as we grow and mature in Christ, we need to be ready in love, in the love of God in Jesus, to gently bring truth when needed into a brother or sister's life.
I'm grateful for the few who are willing to tell me the hard things about myself, but do so as those who love me as a brother or sister. And in turn I want to be ready to help others in the same way, remembering my own weakness as I in no way or sense look down on them.
Just a few thoughts on loving each other as God in Jesus has called us to do.
What might you like to add to this, or share concering it?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
meeting L.L. Barkat
It was so much fun for Deb and I to get to meet L.L. Barkat, in town for the festival of faith and writing at Calvin College. She graciously took the end of a busy day, and really, busy two days, to meet with us. The hour went fast as we sipped on some tea, and shared from our lives.
L.L., like on her blog, is warm and engaging, and creative in her thinking. And real. I realized that while meeting someone like this is good, and you get a better sense of who they are, it is still limited. This reminds me of first impressions and the like. But I think our visit with her reflected pretty well, even in that limited time, who we each are. None of us are people who want to put on airs.
We had a good laugh as I remembered how at first, for a time, I thought L.L. was a man, and she reminded me that I had commented how I had thought L.L. was letting his wife do some postings or be involved in the postings. Funny, and I was a little chagrined when I found out the truth!
L.L. shared with us what she is going through with the success she is now experiencing in writing, and how this in some ways is more challenging to her. She has some important decisions to make in the coming days, and would appreciate our prayers.
This makes me want to read her book (which I find quite good as I'm reading it now) and books to come, as well as her blog, all the more. And to remember that we're all in this in Jesus for each other, to the end of helping others in mission in Jesus to the world.
I will be blogging on L.L.'s book, Stone Crossings, very soon. I think it's a great book for all of us, for who doesn't need to find God's grace in the hard places of life?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
friendship
I'm kind of excited today, and trying to fight off a cold at the same time. This evening Deb and I are going to meet our blogging friend and writer, L.L. Barkat. She is in town for the festival of faith and writing at Calvin College. It's a wonderful annual event, and I'm so glad she can be a part of it! And I can't wait to read her book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places. All other books will be interrupted, put on stop, put on hold, as I read this book. I know I will be blessed in my own life, and I plan to give it to others. And I will blog on it.
Friendship is my favorite aspect of blogging. An important part of friendship is sharing something of our lives with each other in words. Our words, according to Eugene Peterson, can communicate our hearts and true selves to each other.
To know that we are friends, and to look at everyone as a potential friend is a good thing. This is in large part why Jesus came: to reconcile us to God to be friends of God, and because of that to be reconciled to each other as friends who in many cases were enemies. This is why Jesus had to come, becoming one of us, and had to die, and then be resurrected, to bring this new potential for true and lasting friendship into this old world.
We know that we'll be friends in Jesus, with L.L. forever. What a wonderful thought! And friends with each other in our Lord.
Anyone with a thought or line to chime in here?
Friendship is my favorite aspect of blogging. An important part of friendship is sharing something of our lives with each other in words. Our words, according to Eugene Peterson, can communicate our hearts and true selves to each other.
To know that we are friends, and to look at everyone as a potential friend is a good thing. This is in large part why Jesus came: to reconcile us to God to be friends of God, and because of that to be reconciled to each other as friends who in many cases were enemies. This is why Jesus had to come, becoming one of us, and had to die, and then be resurrected, to bring this new potential for true and lasting friendship into this old world.
We know that we'll be friends in Jesus, with L.L. forever. What a wonderful thought! And friends with each other in our Lord.
Anyone with a thought or line to chime in here?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
unity in love
It's wonderful to see unity by the Spirit. This joins truth and love together in Jesus among ourselves. Humility is at the forefront here. Humility is simply having that sense of who we are, good and bad, and seeing others as just as valuable or important as ourselves, and treating them as more so.
I saw this yesterday in our team at work. A good atmosphere of love and respect for each other, in reverence for the Lord.
From this we can do the will of God in Jesus, for each other and in mission for the world. And without this we can do none of it, at least not very well.
What thoughts might you have about "unity in love"?
I saw this yesterday in our team at work. A good atmosphere of love and respect for each other, in reverence for the Lord.
From this we can do the will of God in Jesus, for each other and in mission for the world. And without this we can do none of it, at least not very well.
What thoughts might you have about "unity in love"?
Friday, April 11, 2008
passion
N.T. Wright in his latest book, Surprised by Hope, notes how the early Christians were noted as remarkable in their sexual morality. This was in sharp contrast to those whom they lived around in the various countries. And many of these Christians were Gentiles themselves, who had been raised in the cesspool of moral impurity. Of course it's not like those believers didn't have any problems. Paul has to get after the church in Corinth, Corinth itself known back then for its immorality wedded to pagan religion.
In recognizing that God in Jesus forgives the worst of what we do when we turn to him in repentance and faith, we can become softer on sin than what we see in Scripture. Paul commands his listeners to flee immorality and warns them against sexual sin.
This leads me to consider what goes wrong for any of us who get caught up in sexual sin. Of course it can be simply an objectifying of another, using them as an object to satisfy one's own sexual drives and twisted desires. When the act of sex between a man and woman is not accompanied with the covenant commitment of marriage, it is outside of God's will. Of course God will forgive when one repents and forsakes their sin. God forgives us in Christ. But there may be devastating consequences one has to live with the rest of their lives.
Passion needs to begin, for us in Jesus, with a desire towards God. That we would follow hard after him, in love, to the end. That from that love we will love others appropriately. That we will be true, in love to our spouses: in thought, heart, word and deed, whether present with them or absent. And for those of us who do not have a spouse, that we will draw all the closer to the Lord, as we commit ourselves to him and his good will and work. And we need together- in grace, fear, truth and love- to be there for each other in this.
Then passion- which is a gift from God, part of creation though twisted by the fall- can be a good part of our daily activity, fulfilled in many ways as we follow after the one whose passion for us demonstrably knows no bounds.
What might you add to this to help us see the truth as it is in Jesus better on this subject? Or any thoughts.
In recognizing that God in Jesus forgives the worst of what we do when we turn to him in repentance and faith, we can become softer on sin than what we see in Scripture. Paul commands his listeners to flee immorality and warns them against sexual sin.
This leads me to consider what goes wrong for any of us who get caught up in sexual sin. Of course it can be simply an objectifying of another, using them as an object to satisfy one's own sexual drives and twisted desires. When the act of sex between a man and woman is not accompanied with the covenant commitment of marriage, it is outside of God's will. Of course God will forgive when one repents and forsakes their sin. God forgives us in Christ. But there may be devastating consequences one has to live with the rest of their lives.
Passion needs to begin, for us in Jesus, with a desire towards God. That we would follow hard after him, in love, to the end. That from that love we will love others appropriately. That we will be true, in love to our spouses: in thought, heart, word and deed, whether present with them or absent. And for those of us who do not have a spouse, that we will draw all the closer to the Lord, as we commit ourselves to him and his good will and work. And we need together- in grace, fear, truth and love- to be there for each other in this.
Then passion- which is a gift from God, part of creation though twisted by the fall- can be a good part of our daily activity, fulfilled in many ways as we follow after the one whose passion for us demonstrably knows no bounds.
What might you add to this to help us see the truth as it is in Jesus better on this subject? Or any thoughts.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
friends don't let friends
We know the slogan over here: "Friends don't let friends" which can be for a whole host of reasons. One bumper sticker I saw from someone on our street: "Friends don't let friends vote Republican." Not to get into politics here, at all, today.
In Jesus we're meant to be there for each other, and also for those in the world. We need a humility and senstivity, along with discernment from God, to know what is best and what is needed, in any given situation. Perhaps we must major on listening, then offering some words that may be helpful. Our goal must be to help the other to Jesus, and that all of life and relationships would be seen and experienced through Jesus.
This is not easy, because we're all too accustomed to seeing all of life and relationships through our own eyes, and with our own interests in view, even if included is the interest of someone else. Instead, we in Jesus need to set ourselves to radically begin to see more and more through Jesus. Something like Jesus being between me and anyone or anything else. (from a poem of Celtic Christianity, which I can't recall, but sung by John Michael Talbot on this album; from the song, "Betwixt Me")
This will result in God being at the center of our lives, displacing us as the center, or maybe even something or someone else, in ways that are not good, since none of us are good for anything in such a place, as idols. God in Christ must be at the center and heart, and the way to do that is to help ourselves by prayer, and each other to seek to go through Christ in all of our thoughts and relationships. Taking every thought captive, by prayer and faith, to obey Christ. Not just for ourselves, but with humility and sensitivity, being open and ready with God's help to help others do the same.
What thoughts do you have to help us better understand and practice this? Or any thoughts.
In Jesus we're meant to be there for each other, and also for those in the world. We need a humility and senstivity, along with discernment from God, to know what is best and what is needed, in any given situation. Perhaps we must major on listening, then offering some words that may be helpful. Our goal must be to help the other to Jesus, and that all of life and relationships would be seen and experienced through Jesus.
This is not easy, because we're all too accustomed to seeing all of life and relationships through our own eyes, and with our own interests in view, even if included is the interest of someone else. Instead, we in Jesus need to set ourselves to radically begin to see more and more through Jesus. Something like Jesus being between me and anyone or anything else. (from a poem of Celtic Christianity, which I can't recall, but sung by John Michael Talbot on this album; from the song, "Betwixt Me")
This will result in God being at the center of our lives, displacing us as the center, or maybe even something or someone else, in ways that are not good, since none of us are good for anything in such a place, as idols. God in Christ must be at the center and heart, and the way to do that is to help ourselves by prayer, and each other to seek to go through Christ in all of our thoughts and relationships. Taking every thought captive, by prayer and faith, to obey Christ. Not just for ourselves, but with humility and sensitivity, being open and ready with God's help to help others do the same.
What thoughts do you have to help us better understand and practice this? Or any thoughts.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
praying for each other
What can be a happy effect of praying for each other is that we end up both benefiting.
Let's say for example that I'm down or out in some way, and I share that with my wife, or with a brother or sister in Jesus. And then they pray for me. In time, God graciously answers their prayer and in God's good wisdom and working I'm out of my trouble.
But what then? Knowing this fresh outpouring of God's Spirit in my own heart and life, I turn that into prayer for others, including the ones who I shared my own trouble with. And God works for us both.
This is one important part of us being Christ's Body in the world, being blessed in Jesus that we might be a blessing in him, to the world. That Jesus in us will make a difference in what we do and say; that God's love in Jesus will be poured out on us so that we can share that love with others, and in the hard places of our world.
What would you like to add or share in regard to this?
Let's say for example that I'm down or out in some way, and I share that with my wife, or with a brother or sister in Jesus. And then they pray for me. In time, God graciously answers their prayer and in God's good wisdom and working I'm out of my trouble.
But what then? Knowing this fresh outpouring of God's Spirit in my own heart and life, I turn that into prayer for others, including the ones who I shared my own trouble with. And God works for us both.
This is one important part of us being Christ's Body in the world, being blessed in Jesus that we might be a blessing in him, to the world. That Jesus in us will make a difference in what we do and say; that God's love in Jesus will be poured out on us so that we can share that love with others, and in the hard places of our world.
What would you like to add or share in regard to this?
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
love edifies
We read from Paul that knowledge puffs one up with pride, but love edifies, or builds others up, according to their needs. I see this time and time again. Those who think they know it all, or who come across that way even as Christians, do not promote the love of God in Christ Jesus. But those who love really begin to get it, even when off in some matters- and aren't we all.
I see time and time again, within the spirit of love found in Jesus, a fellowship that is living, growing and open to the grace and truth found in our Lord. Though it does seem more often than not, and in most circles, though not all, to be an uphill struggle.
It is interesting the contrast Paul brings up here. There is knowledge on the one hand, having all the answers, and knowing better than the rest. Then there's love: listening to others, knowing one does not have all the answers and even with the answers one has, that they are entirely dependent on God, in need of others, and don't get it as God does or fully. It's a humility that is glad to be taught of God from the most simple and humble servant of the Lord. Willing even to learn from the lips of a child.
It's about the love of God that is in Jesus and therefore among God's people. And as Paul is saying, it's a love that is ready to leave behind one's own freedom in regard to nonessential things, that the one thing needful might be promoted. Sitting together at the feet of the Lord, by the Spirit, and learning from each other. And therefore, in love, building each other up, as each one humbly does their part.
What might you like to add to this?
I see time and time again, within the spirit of love found in Jesus, a fellowship that is living, growing and open to the grace and truth found in our Lord. Though it does seem more often than not, and in most circles, though not all, to be an uphill struggle.
It is interesting the contrast Paul brings up here. There is knowledge on the one hand, having all the answers, and knowing better than the rest. Then there's love: listening to others, knowing one does not have all the answers and even with the answers one has, that they are entirely dependent on God, in need of others, and don't get it as God does or fully. It's a humility that is glad to be taught of God from the most simple and humble servant of the Lord. Willing even to learn from the lips of a child.
It's about the love of God that is in Jesus and therefore among God's people. And as Paul is saying, it's a love that is ready to leave behind one's own freedom in regard to nonessential things, that the one thing needful might be promoted. Sitting together at the feet of the Lord, by the Spirit, and learning from each other. And therefore, in love, building each other up, as each one humbly does their part.
What might you like to add to this?
Friday, January 04, 2008
human fellowship
God became human to have fellowship with us. This is in large part the purpose of the Incarnation, though it is staggering in its full meaning and implications.
I don't care too much about chatting with someone on politics. Or sports. Or a whole host of things that with this world are passing away. What we do commend and appreciate is a fellowship of love that is caring for the other person. To listen to them, to understand what their struggle may be at the time, or to be able to share one's own struggle or problem with someone is such a blessing, and an important part of true human fellowship.
Jesus as Immanuel: God with us, connects with us in a true special way, and this connection, in a sense connects us in Jesus, all with each other. Isn't it amazing how we find this to be true. But it's a fellowship that is grounded and centered in our Lord. And by that, we begin to participate in the fellowship of who God is as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
With everyone, let's seek this fellowship and see if we can find Jesus present even in the most unlikely places. He may be there to help woo a loved one or friend to himself, even an enemy. And let's treasure his presence in our fellowship with each other, giving us an ongoing and growing knowing of each other, and above all of God himself, in Jesus.
What would you like to add here?
I don't care too much about chatting with someone on politics. Or sports. Or a whole host of things that with this world are passing away. What we do commend and appreciate is a fellowship of love that is caring for the other person. To listen to them, to understand what their struggle may be at the time, or to be able to share one's own struggle or problem with someone is such a blessing, and an important part of true human fellowship.
Jesus as Immanuel: God with us, connects with us in a true special way, and this connection, in a sense connects us in Jesus, all with each other. Isn't it amazing how we find this to be true. But it's a fellowship that is grounded and centered in our Lord. And by that, we begin to participate in the fellowship of who God is as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
With everyone, let's seek this fellowship and see if we can find Jesus present even in the most unlikely places. He may be there to help woo a loved one or friend to himself, even an enemy. And let's treasure his presence in our fellowship with each other, giving us an ongoing and growing knowing of each other, and above all of God himself, in Jesus.
What would you like to add here?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
God's dearly loved children
I think an important part of our lives in Jesus in this world is for us to acknowledge God's word to us that we in Jesus are his dearly loved children, and then live like it.
Grace is needed in all of life, both in our individual responsibilities as well as our lives together as God's people. If we would just stop and realize that we're all siblings, all of us who belong to Jesus. Then, just as we're loved by God in Christ, dearly loved, so we're to love each other.
This means forgiveness, ongoing forgiveness. Even covering over a multitude of sins, which love- as we love each other deeply- does. It sometimes means putting up with each other; there are certainly unlikeable characteristics or habits of us all. It certainly means holding nothing against a sister or brother. And if there is a problem, praying about it and going to the person to gently resolve it.
If we can catch something of this and really begin to live it out, surely this will be a testimony to the world that we have something that is at least genuine in our lives and experience. And remembering this can be a big help to us as well, to help us live this out in the first place.
Grace is needed in all of life, both in our individual responsibilities as well as our lives together as God's people. If we would just stop and realize that we're all siblings, all of us who belong to Jesus. Then, just as we're loved by God in Christ, dearly loved, so we're to love each other.
This means forgiveness, ongoing forgiveness. Even covering over a multitude of sins, which love- as we love each other deeply- does. It sometimes means putting up with each other; there are certainly unlikeable characteristics or habits of us all. It certainly means holding nothing against a sister or brother. And if there is a problem, praying about it and going to the person to gently resolve it.
If we can catch something of this and really begin to live it out, surely this will be a testimony to the world that we have something that is at least genuine in our lives and experience. And remembering this can be a big help to us as well, to help us live this out in the first place.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
true friends
Friends don't let friends down. Of course in the way of Jesus this says alot. This means along with loving God with our all, loving our neighbor as ourselves. When we do this, and only when we do this are we the friends God calls us to be.
Jesus said we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us. More than just his servants. And his command is that we're to love each other just as he loved his disciples throughout life to the end, and willing to lay down our lives for each other. Our friendship with others is not just for ourselves. We delight in our friend's good, while we also appreciate their friendship given to us.
Sin breaks relationships, and true friends in Jesus as we speak of here, can't thrive in their friendship when sin is between them. Or if I'm sinning towards my brother or sister.
True friendship is a wonderful foretaste of what awaits us forever, together in the New Jerusalem, as we live together in the holy communion of the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The best we experience now will be common place, and even better surely, then, and we'll delight in it.
But now, to be a true friend in this way can have its hard aspects. Let's be willing by God's grace to do that now. To help each other through prayers, tears, kindness, gentleness, mercy, goodness, concern, faithfulness, and a heart that listens before we speak.
What would you add about being true friends in Jesus?
Jesus said we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us. More than just his servants. And his command is that we're to love each other just as he loved his disciples throughout life to the end, and willing to lay down our lives for each other. Our friendship with others is not just for ourselves. We delight in our friend's good, while we also appreciate their friendship given to us.
Sin breaks relationships, and true friends in Jesus as we speak of here, can't thrive in their friendship when sin is between them. Or if I'm sinning towards my brother or sister.
True friendship is a wonderful foretaste of what awaits us forever, together in the New Jerusalem, as we live together in the holy communion of the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The best we experience now will be common place, and even better surely, then, and we'll delight in it.
But now, to be a true friend in this way can have its hard aspects. Let's be willing by God's grace to do that now. To help each other through prayers, tears, kindness, gentleness, mercy, goodness, concern, faithfulness, and a heart that listens before we speak.
What would you add about being true friends in Jesus?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
my sister's/brother's keeper
When confronted by God about his brother Abel whom he had killed, Cain, living in his pseudo-reality exclaimed, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
I've heard/read an argument that anwers this, "no". But the weight of Scripture and what God calls us to as his people in an interdependent, interactive relationship of love in communion with God, seems to clearly indicate that we are certainly to be our brother and sister's keeper.
Of course this works both ways. We need to be open to other sisters and brothers helping us as we need it. And we need to be awake and alert to those around us who at least need our prayers as well as our friendship.
Is there an alarm going off in what you see in a brother or sister's life? Don't overreact of course. First pray. And depending on your relationship to that person, proceed in love to be there for them. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Don't judge their heart, yet don't turn a blind eye to what might be destructive for them and others, in their walk in God.
This is tricky territory and not one that lends itself to answer books so that one knows exactly what to do when "A" is happening. This is where we need that dependence on God as well as that interdependence on each other as we proceed to live by faith in the will of God together, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What might you like to add here?
I've heard/read an argument that anwers this, "no". But the weight of Scripture and what God calls us to as his people in an interdependent, interactive relationship of love in communion with God, seems to clearly indicate that we are certainly to be our brother and sister's keeper.
Of course this works both ways. We need to be open to other sisters and brothers helping us as we need it. And we need to be awake and alert to those around us who at least need our prayers as well as our friendship.
Is there an alarm going off in what you see in a brother or sister's life? Don't overreact of course. First pray. And depending on your relationship to that person, proceed in love to be there for them. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Don't judge their heart, yet don't turn a blind eye to what might be destructive for them and others, in their walk in God.
This is tricky territory and not one that lends itself to answer books so that one knows exactly what to do when "A" is happening. This is where we need that dependence on God as well as that interdependence on each other as we proceed to live by faith in the will of God together, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What might you like to add here?
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