Facebook Post by Dan DeWitt
Call this a coincidence, call it a divine hint. Frankly, I’m not sure which, although I lean to the latter. But this topic arose twice in one day, both hitting me hard, and the repetition seemed to multiply the impact. At our North Coast Men’s Conference last Saturday, Rickie Jenkins, pastor of Southwest Community Church in Indian Wells, spoke on “The Missing Fruit,” referring to two facets of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 that we often ignore. We focus on love and joy, but our energy seems to run out by the time we get to kindness and gentleness. They’re important because they demonstrate that God’s nature truly resides in us and shines outwardly. Then he posited a true but often missed connection.
The first century church turned the world upside down, not primarily because of the truth we shared, but because we lived with kindness and gentleness flowing from us. They won’t listen to our genuine truth unless we present a respectful, loving, kind, lifestyle. We earn the right to be heard. People aren’t likely to be drawn to Jesus if his followers are negative and critical. According the church historian Tertullian, the early church practiced kindness, “Behold, how they (Christians) love one another.” But godly love isn’t just for one another, we are commanded to love our enemies. Seems like that covers most everyone, doesn’t it?
Then Dan DeWitt expanded on that with the Facebook meme above on 1 Peter 2:12, that we should live such attractive and kind lives that unbelievers see our goodness and glorify God. Ouch.
Why did these hit me so hard? I’m not always kind and gentle or loving. Not to the idiots who cut me off. Not to those who take advantage of others. Yes, and more.
So, the question for all of us. Do we consistently act toward unbelievers so they felt drawn toward making a decision to follow God? That really is our commission, right? Or do we treat them with anger and meanness and being critical? Do we try to control their choices? What do we focus on? Changing their behavior while they are still unbelievers, wanting to win our arguments? Or do we most desire to win to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit begin to the process of transforming them? Have we examined how unbelievers respond to how we treat them?
Or, to sum up this post, do they sense our love and kindness and gentleness? That is our mission.
Kick Starting the Application
When you see unbelievers make unbiblical choices, how do you process that? Would your inner attitude draw them to Jesus, if they knew it? How intentional are you in showing kindness and gentleness to those who don’t share your faith? How can you better cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life in dealing with all people?