It's a shame, I believe. That the man that we ought to model our lives after is the same man that we have, more often than not, misrepresented. We can all get caught up in the black, white, and gray; arguments and debates; who is right or wrong; ministry for the sake of doing rather for the sake of pure love; politics in the church; and many other factors that distract us from the face of Christ.
"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."-Romans 12:9-21 NLT
This really puts things in perspective for me. Really love them... If we could truly grasp that concept, and let love drive our ministry, let love take over our churches, and let our love meet the cross, we could truly see revolution.
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