06.03.13
On this trip we were told from day one that we are brothers and sisters. We are children of God. We are citizens of Heaven and co-heirs with Christ. It is only by His grace that this is true. It is because He first loved us that we may love and the Bible reminds us that LOVE fulfills the law. [Romans 13:8-10]. LOVE also covers a multitude of sins. [1 Peter 4:8]. With this knowledge/truth, what holds us back from loving? Does it not feel amazing to be loved unconditionally? So why aren't we doing exactly that–especially our very own brothers and sisters?
I believe the answer can be as simple as one word: sin. It's our own sin, our selfish tendency/nature that steals the joy of loving–loving for the sake of Love Himself; loving without any expectations or conditions.
I will forewarn that I do not speak on this topic as an expert. Quite the opposite actually. However, I feel that not having "arrived"/perfected this area allows me to see this area of improvement more clearly–especially in others. The verse Matthew 7:3 instantly comes to mind. "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" But let's use that for good and let us all grow in love together, not waiting for me to perfect this area before sharing my observation and offering a few encouraging words. My desire is to see the Body grow in love.
With that being said I believe the simplest way to love is through our thoughts, words and actions.
I saw an encounter between brothers on travel day that made me cringe. There was a conflict, that happens and is fine, but it was the way they handled it that made me want to give a pep talk reminding people to love well–especially the rest of my brothers and sisters on L-squad as we walk into month 10 of the Race–only 2 months left and I want to do it right! The conflict stemmed from a miscommunication about how many meals the money given to us was to cover. The exchange lacked love and respect–that was clear from their tone of voice. Both parties felt they were right, without fault. While one tried to approach the other perhaps with an accusation in mind, the other was shown dishonor and became defensive. He was then automatically disinterested in the other's concern as he felt attacked.
How different could that scenario have looked if they had Christ's love at the forefront of their mind and penetrating every piece of their heart? If they had believed the best in each other, believing that one wasn't trying to cheat the other out of $3 and perhaps the other didn't hear all the information or simply misunderstood, then each could have walked away feeling loved instead of disrespected.
What if we had Christ's eyes as we looked at people? He has already given us His mind! What if we wore grace covered glasses all throughout our day? Seeing that some people are still lost and in need of Christ, while others have been made new, now holy and blameless.
I'm suggesting that we be Christ to those who don't know Him yet; loving, not condemning, living as set apart so they can see Christ in us. He is rich in grace and mercy, so let us use Him as the one we worship and desire to imitate. And for our brothers and sisters that do know Jesus, Praise the Lord and treat them as you would treat Jesus because He is living in and through them; they are holy and blameless, 100% righteous because of Him. Jesus paid it ALL, meaning it is finished! There's nothing to add; so let's not subtract from the amazing work of the cross by treating them as anything less than what the Bible says is true of them (children of God, coheirs with Christ, Beloved). Besides they are my brothers and sisters!
