Last week we examined one of the causes why families and churches and friends get so upset with each other: we primarily try to change people’s behaviors, thinking that living by God’s standards will improve our culture. Yes, it will, but at what cost? We say we want to make disciples, but many nonChristians see it as meddling and turn us off. They become less open to hearing about Jesus. And when Christians attack other Christians over politics, unbelievers don’t see the mark of genuine faith, according to Jesus, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT). Not only do we need to improve our target, we need to improve our attitudes. Let’s explore that. Now, as you read the following, please realize I feel all the attitudes expressed.
Rain lightning down on them Lord
the Democrats who hate America
the Republicans who follow Trump
the hate filled Facebook posters
those who disagree with me
destroy them in their sin
No my child
rain down that gentle mist
that refreshes the soul
rain down mercy
that reconciles the wounded
rain down understanding
that seeks to know their heart
rain down forgiveness
that restores
rain down grace
that alone can bind us
love them all in their sin
as I love you in yours
This haunts me. I love justice so much I can overreact to injustice. Our pastors often remind us, other people aren’t our enemy--Satan is. Maybe we can re-channel our anger and disgust to the source of their problems, the very real presence of the devil in this world.
So, here’s step two. One was to craft a new target with people: bring them closer to God. Next, we make following Jesus look attractive. One more haunting verse, “If we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?” (1 John 4:20 NLT). When we disagree, do they sense love as our motivation? Or anger? Or judgement?
This means we must love them. We act for their benefit. We demonstrate the value of having the fruit of the Spirit that will attract people: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
I’m going to be blunt, and biblical. If you interact with people you disagree with and don’t demonstrate these traits, you ae not acting as Jesus would have you act. That doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, but you don’t represent God well. Not accurately. You decrease their chances of accepting Jesus. I don’t want that on my conscience. I pray you don’t either.
Kick Starting the Application
Ponder how you react to unbelievers who disagree with you. Does a desire for justice and righteousness dominate, or does love and mercy? Why? How can you improve your attitude to unbelievers and fellow believers who disagree? Will you?
PS If you liked this poem, it’s part of the book Outdoor Adventures, Sacred Trails: Poems of a Traveling Man. In a bit of shameless promotion, if you have family or friends that appreciate accessible poetry that touches your soul and mind, you can get one for just $10, postage and tax included. Just email me, and you’ve made Christmas easier and a blessing! Timriter@aol.com
image from New Science