2 Corinthians 5:16 (NLT), “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!”
In this political season in America, you see emotions at a high level. If you take a look at Facebook, or other social media, you can plainly see it. People who you thought were friends arguing with each other based on differing political viewpoints. The candidates play right along with this further dividing us because of our differences whether it be racial, socio-economic, gender, etc.
It’s not just here in America, you can see the same thing throughout the world. Whether in politics, sports, religion, etc. the differences between us are being highlighted. This leads to many of us forming a dislike for someone based solely on those differences.
It’s unfortunate how many relationships are destroyed or never even formed because we are focused on the differences among us. This is completely opposite of what Christ calls you to do. You are called to love one another regardless of the differences. I know that is hard for many to believe and accept but yes, it is what you’re called to do.
Don’t let the enemy use our differences to keep us from loving each other the way Jesus calls us to. Each of you has the power to show the differences won’t keep you from loving as Jesus did. Skin color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political differences, nothing will keep you from seeing and loving others as Jesus calls you to.
Christ himself gave us the perfect example when He loved and forgave those who were crucifying Him. In Luke 23:34 (NLT) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” Wow, what an example of love! This is only one of the many, many examples of Jesus demonstrating love in the Scripture.
The blessed life God has for you includes loving His children here on earth. When it’s difficult to do so, and those times will come, lean on Jesus’ example found in Scripture for your strength. Do everything with love and watch how all those differences just fade away. Through it all we are united as chidren of God. When Jesus comes back to take us home those differences you are now focusing on will not matter.
Truth In Love! ~ Chuck