Let’s face it we rarely believe exactly like someone else. Even if we have been raised in a Christian home with strong beliefs, we may have different views of how we do things within the church. Within our churches we have different views; within our families we have different views. There are several areas that I do think we can agree on, and two of those are love and compassion. My brother is a youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Alma and I think this speaks so much truth to all of us in that our response is to love one another:
“Our hearts are heavy for the loss of Americans on our home soil. There are many hurting and even more asking why. So many different opinions as to how to prevent this sort of thing from happening again, however we know the root cause of these atrocities is sin in the heart of wicked man. As Christians we are called to spread the Good News which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ who loved us so much that he died on the cross for our sins if we repent, confess, and believe in Him. "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13
Sin is the problem, and Christ is the cure. As we mourn the loss and pray for those going through this horrible tragedy, the family members, friends, and the first responders we must remember that the Lord still reigns and that Christ calls us to love one another. Love one another so much that we are willing to proclaim Christ and the hope we have in Him to others no matter the cost. Our world is hurting and we must share with them the knowledge and relationship we have with Jehovah Rapha - the LORD our healer and the Holy Spirit our constant comforter!
"I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35
- J.D. Finley”
Jesus is the King of all Kings and knows of all the wicked and corruption that is going on in the world today. Our response is to love! Did you see what Chick-fil-a’s response was to the Orlando community? They provided food for those people standing in line to give blood (Chick-Fil-A Response to the Shooting). Yep, they opened up on Sunday, which they never do, and cooked food to provide for the people giving blood for the victims of the shooting. But, wait.. haven’t we heard the media say the Chick-Fil-A owner hates gay people? Why would they help? They helped because they have love and compassion for their brothers and sisters despite their lifestyle or beliefs. That is what we are to be as Christians. We are called to love. It's what sets us apart.. show the love of Jesus.
Link to Chick-Fil-A article: http://dcgazette.com/2016/chic-fil-gay-club-shooting-isnt-viral/#
