Undeserved Gift



The words “Love is patient, love is kind” is found in I Corinthians 13 . This chapter is referred to as the love chapter and is often read at weddings.  The best marriage, or relationship, advice I could offer is to focus on what love is; simply, love is patient and kind.  The remaining verses in the love chapter explain what love is not. 

While I was out shopping, I found myself pondering “love is patient, love is kind.” I was lost in my thoughts and unloaded my cart in the express lane; I had way more than 12 items.  I did not realize my error until I saw the people in line behind me holding only a few items.  I was so embarrassed!  I apologized profusely to the cashier and to the other customers. Guess what?  They were all patient and kind to me.  What an undeserved gift!

Patience and kindness extends grace to others.  When I make a mistake, I appreciate it when others are patient and kind to me.  I try to remind myself to extend patience and kindness to others when they make a mistake.  It's not easy, so I had a plaque made displaying the words “Love is patient, love is kind.” I have it in a location where I see it every day to remind me to be nice.

Let's improve our relationships this season by giving patience and kindness to those around us.  According to Romans 2:4, God’s kindness leads people to repentance.  Loving those around us is something we all have to work on everyday, but it will make a signficant difference in our relationships. Love never fails.

Are you an angry Christian?

As I think about this election, the country is divided and people on both sides of the political aisle are angry.  One thing I learned about anger, it is often a result of a person feeling powerless. 

If Christians are arguing over politics, perhaps “Christians feel powerless.”   The desire to change society through political means is not new to Christianity.  It happened in Biblical times; after Jesus fed the five thousand in John 6, the people wanted to make him an earthly king.

John 6:14-15 "After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.' Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. When Jesus was on earth the people wanted to make him an earthly king.” 

Changing society through political means is not the message Jesus came to bring.   Jesus was unwilling to become an earthly king. The Bible is clear that Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God on this earth; not to rule the kingdom of men.

In the Bible, the book of Esther is a great model for Christians who want to influence society today.  Queen Esther was a Jew living among non-Jews.  She could have demanded kosher food and announced her origin, but she did not.  The Bible said the king was pleased with Queen Esther and she won favor with everyone around her.  At the right time, Queen Esther had the influence to save her people.

Christians should vote and be involved in politics.  However, if Christians put their hope in political outcomes, of any kind, they need to reevaluate which kingdom they are plugged into.  If individuals do not care for those in authority, they will lose favor and influence in society.

The kingdom of God is powerful. The Word of God is powerful. Prayer is powerful. Christians need to plug into the kingdom of God.

Do you want to make a difference? Read the book of Esther and then study the gospels to learn about the kingdom of God.  Be nice to those around you; clothe yourself with humility, honor and prayer.  2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  

 

Christians should not feel angry and powerless.  Prayer is not the last resort, it should be the first option.Cross references:2 Chronicles 7:14 : S Nu 6:27