Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. – (Philippians 1:27a, NIV)
Just be sure you live as God’s people in a way that honors the Good News of Christ. – (Philippians 1:27a, ERV)
Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. – (Philippians 1:27a, MSG)
This is and has been a charge that has felt seemingly absent over the last year and a half on social media. People who love God and love people, have been blasting one another over various “hot topics”, rather than listening to understand in love. The challenge in this is that we all have opinions that rise up, yet if we profess Jesus is Lord, we cannot name call and demean those around us for what they think. That is not love. Yes, we can have civilized conversations face-to-face, but yelling, name-calling, and demeaning is not beneficial to anyone. All of us have opinions and positions on the various things that are going on in the world that bring about differing views, yet what we do with those opinions is on us. If we are to profess our faith in love, our every interaction must be led in love. I too, have opinions and reactions rise up, but have learned that I cannot simply react, but rather I must listen in love and seek the Lord to lead. Most often, that means that I must scroll past the “blasting” and only discuss my thoughts when I am able to listen in love and calmly share my concerns and ideas. It is a delicate balance to continue to learn how to live in such a way that we are honoring God in all that we do and say. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in our conversations and exchanges of thoughts, ideas and opinions so that love is what is evident in all.
Love is the answer,
We’re each called to give;
In speech and actions,
Each day that we live.
No matter our thoughts,
To what’s going on;
If not led in love,
Validity’s gone.
What good is shouting,
Finger-pointing wrongs?
Instead, let’s listen,
Show that love belongs.
O Lord, we need You,
To lead us in love;
To follow Your heart,
Speak in peace and love.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to conduct ourselves in a manner that ever demonstrates Your goodness and love. Thank You that You call us to represent You with our words and deeds. Forgive us for our every word, thought and deed that has not demonstrated Your goodness, love and grace. Teach us to interact with one another in love, no matter how differently we view the world. Show us how to love greatly, and to choose to love in our every action, reaction and interaction with those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in love in everything that we say and do so that we may represent who You intended us to become. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Show me the wonders of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. – Psalm 17:7
Revelations In Writing 