9-27-2017

Good Morning All,

             1 Peter 3: 8-9; “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing”

    Yikes! It’s getting ugly out there!  It is amazing what we think is an acceptable way to talk to each other.  It seems like the only way to respond is to call the other person by a repugnant name as if that will win the debate.  It would be somewhat humorous if it were not so destructive.  The really sad thing is that often times you and I, as God’s redeemed children, are right in the middle of it and sadly, sometimes we find ourselves participating in it and that really needs to stop.

    Some very well-meaning Christians like to point to Matthew 16:23 where Jesus addresses Peter and says, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block!” and point to that as justification for them calling other people names.  The problem with this theory is that we are not Jesus and we should not assume to speak like we are.  Jesus, as true God, knew and knows what to say exactly but we, usually, not so much.  We are sinful broken people who live by God’s grace and His grace alone.  Therefore, we should live as He directs to live according to His will.

    This is why we need to see this but to also live this truth.  God calls us to respect others.  We may not agree with them, we may even strongly disagree with them but we need to show them honor and respect that is owed to all of God’s human creatures.  The human truly is a special creature.  It was created in God’s image and though fallen and corrupted by sin; it is still the creature that God sent his Son to die for.  For this reason alone, we own respect to each other.  We owe respect and civility.  We owe respect and civility because all human life has value and dignity.  We see this in God’s actions towards us and we should live according to his will.

    This is a part of what we often call Christian ethics.  Christian ethics means we live according to God’s revealed will in an intentional attempt to show God’s love, grace and mercy to the world.  It is to reveal to the world the righteousness that is poured out upon us by the all availing sacrifice of Jesus.  God pours righteousness into us and we, in turn, show that righteousness to others.  God pours his love into us and we, in turn, show that love to others and the list goes on through mercy, patience, compassion, sympathy and so on.  This is what we are called to do.

    So if you find yourself one of the name callers, try to repent and seek God’s guidance and then intentionally try to do better.  The best place to start is with your family and friends and let it flow from there.  There will be slips and failures along the way but you are forgiven and encouraged to try again another day.  It will take time and an intentional effort but it will be worth it.

Father of all peace, lead us by your Spirit that we may be a people of peace and unity.  Guide us by your grace to love as you have love.  Keep us safe from the evil one.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret