In the Gospel of John chapter 13 and verse 35 Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
I often ask my church if we, as Christians, are known to the world by our love or by what we are perceived as hating? I am pretty sure those who are not a part of the church today are really clear on the stuff we dislike, disagree with, or disapprove of. To a large extent what they fail to see is the love of Jesus in us for each other and for those who do not even like us or our Savior. My friends, this should not be.
Again, Jesus says in Luke 5:43-47, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”
Clearly, we are called to a higher standard of living and loving.
This does not mean that we agree that everything is OK or even good. The Bible is clear on things that God says violate His laws, but this doesn’t mean we are OK to hate those who do them. How will they ever understand God’s love and forgiveness if we, who claim to be His followers, only dish out hatred and condescension?
Do all churches practice this perfectly? Absolutely not!
But it is the standard God expects for us to strive to live out every day. To be sure, oftentimes the church is its own worst enemy, but many of the wonderful, selfless, and loving things churches do regularly go unnoticed.
As I mentioned in my article several months ago, it was churches in our country who started schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged. Many of these institutions are still functioning today with little to no notice.
That is not why we do it, and it is certainly not for the money as many of these ministries are non-profit.
There is the Cassville Food Pantry started by the United Methodist Church here in town.
Our church has a Celebrate Recovery program ministering to those with “hurts, habits, and hang-ups.” Local churches routinely help with emergency needs, just to mention a few things. We do it because we have been commanded by Jesus to show His love to others, not just to our own.
My prayer for you this week is that you might be touched by some random act of Christian kindness unexpectedly and be blessed by it.
I hope you will feel our love.
James Weaver is the pastor of First Baptist Church, located at 602 West St. in Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-2965 or info@fbccassville.org.
