So tonight I sat in a car and considered all the 'social ills' we seem to be facing. I went all the way back and examined the Genesis of it all. Most of these wars, murders and even poverty is a result of the fact that we no longer care for and forgive each other. How did I get there you wonder? Most murders occur because someone was wronged in some way and instead of forgiving the person who wronged them, they think it best to kill them. Likewise with poverty, I must always have and I never have enough to give to my brother.
These things happen outside of the church. Sadly, it also happens in the church. Many persons are finding it very hard to let go of someone who hurt them in the past. Many persons are holding that unforgiveness in their heart to the point that they are physically sick. Check your church, do you know of anyone who is having a hard time? Is there anyway you can help? Our way of helping is saying "i will pray for you" Don't give me wrong, I am not saying that prayer is not important, What I am saying is the extra hour your taking to go home and watch TV, can be spent visiting a sick brother or meeting with a discouraged sister. In what way are we different if what is seen on the outside is what we see on the inside. Has the church lost it's saltiness? Are we effective anymore.
My encouragement s this, may we search ourselves and really check? How different are we from a person who does not know Christ. If not, please talk to God about it. Let him help you.
Nataki, this was the encouragement i got on Sunday in church as well - to stop and check myself (Main scripture: Psalm 15)...
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I think that as much as we, at times, convince ourselves that we love each other (especially in the church), the reality is that we have developed a form of hatred towards each other without realizing it. Our love has become something that is convenient - a love that says (with some reference to the examples you used) that i'll come visit you when i have time or i'll be there to mentor you as long as it does not interfere with my studies/household chores/church planning etc or i'll give more to this compassionate fund or give to my brother in need when God prospers me more (financially) or all kinds of other excuses. In terms of hosting unforgiveness, we have become like light switches - operating in two states (ON and OFF) - we forgive for show and in front of others (ON) but when it comes down to it, we hold the situation where we were mistreated against our brother and mistrust becomes most evident (OFF).
Things of this world are taken better care of and given priority in our lives. We do not hold dear or really love what Christ holds dear / what Christ loves - which is people. We are unwilling to sacrifice our time, talents or resources to reach out to people. We have become corrupted by our desire to have more than our brother, by the pride that so easily sets in, and by power!
Anyways, I pray that this is well received! God be praised! :)