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- Apr 25, 2006
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6 July 2007
Ephesians 4 v 1-3
I am in prison because I belong to the Lord. God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.
Paul exhorts his fellow brethren to be united. But how can this be achieved when we are so often divided by arguments and various interpretations of God's Word. These threats can often be averted by applying the principle of unity in Christ. Paul turns to the practical implications of the great vision of the role of the church in the world. Christians must set an example in humility, patience, tolerance and charity. God has made us one great fellowship so that we can strengthen our unity by fostering peace amongst ourselves.
As a young Christian many years ago a fellow brother pointed out "Doug, you are very inspiring and radical in your Christian living. But when people get close to you you blow them away as you expect everyone to measure up to you rather than accepting them as they are." He was so right.
Although I've helped many to come to the Lord in my missionary travels I did not have many best friends. It took me many years to understand how God accepted me irrespective of my shortfalls and I need to apply the same grace in relating to others. Now I find people can approach me and open up their most intimate secrets and feel accepted as we work together to be more Christ-like. Do you accept others as they are or judge them for who they are? One leads to unity and healing, the other to disunity. Living a Christian life is much more than exercising your faith and knowledge but rather, living it as Jesus would have.
Lord help me to be a healer in this world of many hurts, to see Christ in everyone and accept them just as he accepted me in humility, gentleness, patience and love.
Written by Douglas Cruz
Ephesians 4 v 1-3
I am in prison because I belong to the Lord. God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.
Paul exhorts his fellow brethren to be united. But how can this be achieved when we are so often divided by arguments and various interpretations of God's Word. These threats can often be averted by applying the principle of unity in Christ. Paul turns to the practical implications of the great vision of the role of the church in the world. Christians must set an example in humility, patience, tolerance and charity. God has made us one great fellowship so that we can strengthen our unity by fostering peace amongst ourselves.
As a young Christian many years ago a fellow brother pointed out "Doug, you are very inspiring and radical in your Christian living. But when people get close to you you blow them away as you expect everyone to measure up to you rather than accepting them as they are." He was so right.
Although I've helped many to come to the Lord in my missionary travels I did not have many best friends. It took me many years to understand how God accepted me irrespective of my shortfalls and I need to apply the same grace in relating to others. Now I find people can approach me and open up their most intimate secrets and feel accepted as we work together to be more Christ-like. Do you accept others as they are or judge them for who they are? One leads to unity and healing, the other to disunity. Living a Christian life is much more than exercising your faith and knowledge but rather, living it as Jesus would have.
Lord help me to be a healer in this world of many hurts, to see Christ in everyone and accept them just as he accepted me in humility, gentleness, patience and love.
Written by Douglas Cruz