One final thought on Romans 12:18...as Christians, let's not ever be those who are looking for a fight.
Sometimes it seems that we're just waiting for someone to say something contrary to what we believe, or have an opposite viewpoint than us on a subject, or a different political view. We're just waiting so we can, with an air of superiority, let them know that they are wrong...and not only that they are wrong, but that God thinks they're wrong. And we've got a Bible verse to back us up.
Sometimes we may be very right in our "rightness." Sometimes we may not. But either way, how far do you think these types of confrontations go in showing a person that we possess something that they should want? How far does it go in showing them the love of Christ living within us and the gentleness that we have been called to demonstrate? There is a reason that we have been given the verses that we looked at a few days ago exhorting us to correct with gentleness, humility and respect. The reason is that's the attitude that will allow the other person to leave the conversation with dignity and with a regard for us that they will not have if we use the opportunity to degrade or humiliate them by showing their lack of knowledge or their error in interpretation.
It's easy to allow Satan to persuade us to "show off", but deny him that chance to pull you away from the role that God has ready for you to play in someone else's life. Be humble, be gentle, show respect and develop a relationship that can be used to bring both of you closer to our Father.
Sometimes it seems that we're just waiting for someone to say something contrary to what we believe, or have an opposite viewpoint than us on a subject, or a different political view. We're just waiting so we can, with an air of superiority, let them know that they are wrong...and not only that they are wrong, but that God thinks they're wrong. And we've got a Bible verse to back us up.Sometimes we may be very right in our "rightness." Sometimes we may not. But either way, how far do you think these types of confrontations go in showing a person that we possess something that they should want? How far does it go in showing them the love of Christ living within us and the gentleness that we have been called to demonstrate? There is a reason that we have been given the verses that we looked at a few days ago exhorting us to correct with gentleness, humility and respect. The reason is that's the attitude that will allow the other person to leave the conversation with dignity and with a regard for us that they will not have if we use the opportunity to degrade or humiliate them by showing their lack of knowledge or their error in interpretation.
It's easy to allow Satan to persuade us to "show off", but deny him that chance to pull you away from the role that God has ready for you to play in someone else's life. Be humble, be gentle, show respect and develop a relationship that can be used to bring both of you closer to our Father.
1 comment:
I've been out of town since last Thursday evening. I spent time with my oldest son's family in Houston. My granddaughter celebrated her 8th birthday. I got back late Monday. I've read this verse each day but haven't been able to respond. I am stuck in my thoughts on this verse. I am in the middle of a conflict with my youngest son that lives here in town. I'm needing more time with Christ. I'm not living "in peace" with my youngest son. I am praying fervently each day and have hope that God will mend this little 'tiff between us. But, for now we have not mended our disagreement. Living in peace with everyone is difficult. I
wait for God's timing. I don't look for a fight, I "run" from conflict. But I do need to
work on my relationship with God and listen for His guidance as I discern the
intentions of others.
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