May we be known by our love - not by our "righteousness" our "religiousness" our "perfection" and certainly not by our fear!!! "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
Does the world concern me for my babies. Yes. Do I agree with the political direction of our nation? No. What does this look like for my family? It looks like love. It means I don't focus on shielding them, but shepherding them. It means I need to raise my sons and daughter to live as the hands and feet of Jesus. Lets be known for how we love others, not for how we judge them. Do I think that we sit back quietly and do nothing? No. I believe just the opposite. We DO love. We bring cookies to the neighbors, invite them for dinner, send a note in the mail, call, text, invest in people. We not only do this to our friends, but to those who have hurt us. We reach outside of our comfort zone to show love to someone who may be very different than how we believe, look or live. "Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18
It means that I look at people as though they are my own babies. How would you handle it if your teenage daughter told you she is pregnant? What if your college-aged daughter had an abortion? What if your son said he is gay? What if your children tell you they are atheists? What if your daughter had an affair? What if someone hurt them? What if your son is a criminal? WHAT IF?! I know that none of us want to go down that road of thinking for too long, but..... How would you show the love of Jesus to them? I highly doubt that you would post your family troubles as a facebook meme "to show the world where you stand".
As I type this; I am brought to tears. There are so many people in this world that are in tough situations; some self-inflicted, some not. It really doesnt matter, because they are hurting. Lets be people who are walking in; when everyone else is walking out on them. This doesnt mean that we shy away from the tough talks or stay quiet. It means that we do that, but not on a social media rant or meme. These conversations happen in relationship with one another. These are conversations that happen around dinner tables, coffee, glass of wine, hour long phone calls. They happen in love and truth.
Let us be known for what we are for, not what we are against. May we be known for our LOVE. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are called to look different than the world, yet for some reason we think that means that we should judge the world. Why do we think we need to do God's job too when we cant even handle our own? Someone should be able to look at you and say "I want whatever she's got!!" When you are going through life's struggles and uncertainties- you know that God is with you - LETS LIVE LIKE WE BELIEVE THAT!
