"On her tongue is the law of kindness..."

"On her tongue is the law of kindness..."

Monday, March 12, 2012

Feeling a little convicted...

Recently, there's been a huge conviction in my life. A couple weeks ago Pastor Bill was speaking about how when we invite individuals to church we are essentially inviting them to live our life - and what we've been living in front of them, oftentimes, is what will either draw them in or push them away. The weight of that is intense as you begin to think that how you speak, how you act, how you drive, how you park your car and order your food, how you respond when you're angry - all of these things are being noticed. Not only noticed, but will either present a case for or against an individual within your sphere of influence giving God an opportunity in their lives.
Of course we aren't perfect, but how we reflect Jesus is just that - we're a reflection of Him. In some cases, we might be the only reflection someone sees.
In Hebrews 13:1 it says, "Let love for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]." Why? Because we're meant to carry that character of God. We're meant to be His representative, literally showing the world and exemplifying His Word on the earth. Yes, it's a lot of weight, and it's nothing we can do in our own strength. But as we spend time with God, as we read His Word and allow it to seed itself in our hearts, we begin to take on His nature; we begin to have understanding and discernment in situations; we begin to treat others not as how they appear or in accordance with how they may treat us or others, but we treat them with love. Because love is the nature of God. There are a lot of hurting people; individuals going through things that we can't even imagine, and someone truly caring for them - despite their beliefs, despite their sexual orientation, despite their gender or race, despite how they dress or where they're from - will mean more to them then you can imagine when it comes from a place of love.
You are a living testament as to whether or not God is real. As to whether or not His Word is true. As to whether or not someone you know, meet, or come across, will think to themselves, "maybe I'll give God a chance" simply because you showed love to them without judgement, without criticism, and without hesitation.

No comments:

Post a Comment