- Strongly agree. I continue to resonate with Gal 6 sermon a few weeks ago - particularly about comparing which is really judging if I think I'm better, or right or more informed. I didn't realize how often I did that n don't always see it as sin on my part. I often share what God says to me or is teaching me with our caring friends. Just as when I was teaching children, in my attempt to share what I'm learning in a simple practical way so they can understand - God continues to teach me through that process and planning. And He so often adds emphasis to the teaching through others. He just did that through you!
- What a blessing to have a fellowship filled with encouragement, love, affection and mercy! What a beautiful reflection of Christ.❤️
- Very well written, Eryn. Thanks for this. I struggle with this as well and God has been working in me on this very thing.
Convicted
I have to be honest. Writing a blog is a very humbling thing for me. Aside from the thoughts of "Do people think I'm a terrible writer?" or "Is my grammar and spelling correct?", there is the simple fact that as a disciple of Christ, in order to practice living authentically, I have to write about how the Holy Spirit is working in me personally. That's not always my favorite thing to share...
Yesterday I read this quote:
"Be careful not to dehumanize those you disagree with. In our self-righteousness, we can become the very things we criticize in others...and not even know it."
Whoa, that was very convicting to me. During this past year, there have often been times of clear disagreement. But, let's be honest. That's not new. It has always been easy to question how someone could have this or that opinion, or how they could say or do this thing or that thing.
Often we let these things drastically affect our view of people as we begin to retreat from relationship. I know this is true of me. And yet, many of these people are part of God's family. We are all different, but when I retreat from relationship, I begin only to see people as the things I see them post on social media, the opinions I disagree with, and ultimately as objects that no longer deserve my respect or love.
Jesus died for ALL OF US! We are all loved by God and created by God. And, we are commanded to love each other. It is hard to want to pursue relationship with someone who holds drastically different views than I do. But pressing in, pursuing with the love of Christ is exactly what I am called to do, commanded to do, set apart and chosen to do.
Philippians 2:1-5
"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus."