Just like me! Fellowship with kindred believers! Blessing!
Do you (like me) enjoy being with people who generally agree with you? Isn't it refreshing to have a friend you can relax with, confide in and just be yourself? Someone who reflects your point of view. Someone you do not have to be defensive with and you can let all your ideas out without fear. You can talk about Jesus, the election, the Cowboys, your kids, whatever!
Where are you most comfortable? With your family? Close friends? How about church? The grocery store? School? How about a party of liberals? In every way, liberal: in spiritual ideas, social choices, immigration, or one of my favorite topics: Israel, too!
Put on your armor! We are going in! Here is my story. Recently I was invited to my neighbors' house for a party. These neighbors are good friends to me. Hard working, friendly, caring and have supported me tremendously since Scott died. I enjoy our conversations "in the yard." However our paths have not crossed socially. I don't think my bumper stickers and yard signs would have been in their yard or on their cars. Don't see them heading to church on Sunday mornings, but maybe Saturday church is for them.
The party invite was unexpected but welcome. Didn't take long to hear the liberal casual conversation and election results came up in a light way. I kept my mouth closed! I know some of you are suspicious of that! I was taught not to go to someone's house and bring up uncomfortable topics. But it was more than that. I was on uncertain footing, where I held the minority opinion. My story does not have a triumphant ending where eloquent, convicting words flowed from my lips. However, I knew I could go there, it is possible to be bold when I feel different, or be brave with the power of God's truth. Maybe if I get another invitation I will go again. Not to be rude or confrontational but loving and truthful.
Today, let's go there. Apparently there are at least 44% of the country who feel very differently than most of us. I plan to go there only after I am prayed up, studied up in God's Word, and relied on Him to tell me what to say. Or maybe He just wants me to listen and be a better friend and neighbor.
Jesus used the word "truth" 86 times (at least that's how many I counted) in the gospels! The truth in love is a "big deal!"
"I speak the truth in Christ." Romans 9:1
"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful schemes. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:14-15.
Pray: Father, give us your words of truth to give out in love to the world.
Amen
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