Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
Why do you suppose those outside the Church see Christians as being so judgmental?
Do you think perhaps it is because we are?
We try to impose a set of morals on a group of people who have never bought in to that worldview! But the New Testament is crystal clear on how we should look on the behaviour of those who are not Christ followers: it is none of our business. Check out what Paul says:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? ... God will judge those outside. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a)
What business is it of yours or mine what those who are not Christians do or say? None. And yet the Church continues to try to impose a lifestyle and rules on people who have rejected our way of life. Instead of condemning and judging people, we should simply be living and loving in such a way that people are attracted to us. They should feel guilty, but not condemned. Guilty because they see the way we treat our husband/wife/child/friend/boss/employee, the way we conduct business, the way we generously give, and are not doing the same. But they should never feel condemned. Unfortunately, the Church seems to have forgotten that Jesus said people would recognize us as His followers by the way we love one another. He did not say they should recognize us by the way we look down on the way they live.
So instead of trying to impose the Gospel on people, perhaps we could just live it a little more. A little less "turn or burn" and a little more "love and respect". And let's mind our own business.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
Heavenly Father,
We confess to you our sins and the sins of our forefathers - that we have not loved one another as Christ prescribed and that we have judged others in ways your Word prohibits.
Lord, please, through your Holy Spirit, prompt us to live a life guided by love. Help us to love one another as you love us. And through that love may you draw others to your Son.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
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