Respect and love: a great combo!
Thursday 25th October 2018
'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.' John 6:44 NKJV
No doubt we know many people who don't share our faith in Jesus. However much we want them to share our beliefs, it's important to respect others' differences and perspectives.
Sometimes our relationships with family and friends can fall apart because they may perceive we 'force' our opinions on them. It may take someone hearing about Jesus, or seeing his love demonstrated to them, ten times (or more, or less) before they believe. If we're person ten in the chain then we get the privilege of seeing that person's life transformed. But even if we're person two or seven we still play an important part in their journey. It doesn't matter what number in the chain we are, as long as we've shown them, through our actions and love, that the best life is a life with God.
It's harder to share our faith when people won't listen or respect our beliefs. Jesus didn't condemn the people who crucified him; he prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34 NKJV). He didn't see them as morally bad, but spiritually blind. He told his disciples, 'No one can come to me unless the Father...draws him' (John 6:44 NKJV). So instead of forcing our beliefs on others, let's pray that God would draw them to him and let's show them his love through our words and actions.
So what now? Is there a friend or family member who doesn't agree with your faith? Pray for opportunities to show them God's love today.
Thursday 25th October 2018
'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.' John 6:44 NKJV
No doubt we know many people who don't share our faith in Jesus. However much we want them to share our beliefs, it's important to respect others' differences and perspectives.
Sometimes our relationships with family and friends can fall apart because they may perceive we 'force' our opinions on them. It may take someone hearing about Jesus, or seeing his love demonstrated to them, ten times (or more, or less) before they believe. If we're person ten in the chain then we get the privilege of seeing that person's life transformed. But even if we're person two or seven we still play an important part in their journey. It doesn't matter what number in the chain we are, as long as we've shown them, through our actions and love, that the best life is a life with God.
It's harder to share our faith when people won't listen or respect our beliefs. Jesus didn't condemn the people who crucified him; he prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do' (Luke 23:34 NKJV). He didn't see them as morally bad, but spiritually blind. He told his disciples, 'No one can come to me unless the Father...draws him' (John 6:44 NKJV). So instead of forcing our beliefs on others, let's pray that God would draw them to him and let's show them his love through our words and actions.
So what now? Is there a friend or family member who doesn't agree with your faith? Pray for opportunities to show them God's love today.
