It can seem that Christians can be so quick to turn on each other, quarrel, back bite and condemn.
Pretty sorrowful for a group who is to be known for their love-- love for God, love for fellow believers, love for the lost, broken and outcast.
There are times when we need to lovingly correct one another (but if it is done without love, we've done nothing but spoken hollow words).... but so often love and gentleness are left out of our dealings with other believers. We often can't even discuss ideas and differences without casting aside the spirit of love, much less delve into deeper issues. Maybe that's because we don't spend enough time removing the plank from our own eye before dealing with the splinter in our neighbor's, I don't know.... I've been guilty enough of that myself at various times.
I have friends from almost every main Christian denomination, that professes the Word of God as true and holds onto the traditional, or creedal, ancient beliefs of the Church. (I also have friends from other faiths and non faiths, but this isn't about them but rather my friends of the faith.) I have liturgical friends and friends who go to contemporary services. Friends who are high church and low church, from house churches to serving in Cathedrals. Friends I completely agree on points of theology with and those I have strong differences with.
And I love them all.
I don't hoist my denominational banner above anyone else's, I prefer to wave the banner of Christ instead. While we can discuss points of dogma we view differently, let us start the conversation by how much we both love Christ. Let us talk of His wonder, His glory and His redeeming grace before we talk of all else.
How do I know I have a Brother or Sister in Christ? When I hear their passion for Christ and His Word. When I see their love for Him acted out in the world, because such love naturally spills over. When I can feel the love and joy of Christ spilling over in them.
I am so very thankful, for God has sent me so many family members in Christ. I see His Presence in so many of you, from all sorts of Christian walks. I learn so much from you all, for your lives reveal beautiful aspects of Christ to me.
In these troubled days, let us greet one another with love, charity and kindness. Let us show the love of Christ to one another. And on the points we disagree, let us converse only in a spirit of love, as befitting followers of Christ, Whose love for us is unmatched.
Be blessed my friends, and may you be a blessing to someone else,
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