[Lynn would like to acknowledge and thank two individuals: Years ago Pastor Rick Warren wrote a Sermon Series based upon 1 Corinthians 13, and John Ortberg wrote a book entitled: Everybody’s Normal Until You Get To Know Them. Lynn relied heavily upon these two resources for this series because they deal with Relationships and Community. He would like to recognize their influence in the preparation of these messages.]
January 12, 2007 … 7:51 in the morning;
an experiment began … sponsored by the Washington Post:
A young musician takes his position against a wall
in the metro station of the Washington DC., subway.
He is wearing jeans; a long-sleeved shirt, and a Washington National’s baseball cap. He opens his violin case … removes the instrument … throws a few dollars into the case from his pocket as “seed money” … and begins playing.
He plays for the next 43 minutes … and during that time
he performs six classical pieces – flawlessly !!
During that 43 minutes … 1,097 people passed by, tossing in a total of $32.17 into his violin case. Of that 1,097 people … only seven paused longer than sixty seconds to listen to this performance … of those seven who lingered … only one recognized the violinist:
Joshua Bell.
Three days prior – he had filled Boston’s Symphony Hall where just “adequate” tickets sold for $100 a piece. Two weeks later … he would play for a standing-room-only audience
in Bethesda, Maryland.
Joshua Bell’s talents & artistry … command an average of $1,000 per minute – when performing. … this day in the subway – he barely earned enough to pay for a pair of cheap shoes.
Now – you can’t fault the instrument …
he was playing a Stradivarius worth 3.5 million dollars !!
You can’t fault the performance …
he flawlessly played some of Johann Sebastian Bach’s best work !
Yet … scarcely anyone noticed the presence of such artistry
in this context … flanked by a kiosk on one side
… and a shoe-shine stand on the other …
?> Who has time to notice beauty or value … in the midst of
such a hectic, self-absorbed & pre-occupied society ??
Most of those passer-by’s … cynically wrote off this entertainer
As some typical, needy, dime-a-dozen musician …who needed a
few more cents to support his habit …or…
to pay for a place to sleep.
We are living in a cynical … rude … self-consumed world !!
?> would you agree with that ?
Cynicism is on the rise;
common courtesy is not so common anymore;
here in Memphis we are very adept at playing the race card
(especially if it helps to advance one’s personal agenda);
the tone of our society today is more & more
an irreverent tone of sarcasm & put down.
And … it is not just a certain “age group”;
it is not just a “racial divide”;
it is not just “gender based” … this is a “societal epidemic”!
Cynicism & rudeness seems to be
the common attitude of our world !
And rudeness … translates into a lack of respect!
it seems that respect for other people; respect for
property; respect for institutions … is at an all time low !!
For example:
In any election year, it seems perfectly acceptable to tear up the
Opposing candidate with smear tactics,
and if that does not work – just flat out lie about them!
Our entertainment; our political leaders; even our music
displays disrespect; rudeness and selfishness.
Yet …
The final sermon preached by Jesus Christ
– recorded in Matthew 25;
Christ depicted a scene of the final day of judgment.
On that day, as he painted this portrait, all will stand before him
and all will be held personally accountable
for their words and actions …
And the portrait that Jesus painted
was one of a shepherd … separating the sheep from the goats:
Matthew 25:31ff:
“When the son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in
heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one
from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his
right and the goats on his left. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘come, you who are
blessed by my father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of
the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed
me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the
righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give
you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes
and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The king will
reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did for me.’”
Jesus was teaching us in this section of scripture …
that salvation is the work of Christ …
but that compassion is the consequence of salvation !!
We also learn in this section of scripture
that works of mercy … are often, very simple deeds:
clothing the needy;
visiting the sick;
feeding the hungry;
giving a glass of water;
treating others with dignity and respect !!
True:
none of us can help everyone … but all of us can help someone !!
And when we treat others with respect and compassion …
… we discover, that we are serving Jesus Christ himself !!
So … let’s talk about how to show proper respect to one another:
By definition, rudeness - is a lack of respect for others.
it reveals that I could care less about you. That I am
only thinking of myself. Rudeness says that it doesn’t matter
what anybody else thinks, or whether it hurts you or not …
I’m going to do what I want to do !! (period) !!
It has been said that you can summarize the meaning of rudeness
in one simple word: selfishness !!
Yet – our Bible teaches:
that selfishness is something
that can be transformed by the grace of God !!
In 1 Corinthians 13:3, we read: “love is not rude”
the Philipps para-phrase, has it this way: “love has good manners.”
1 Peter 2:17, tells us: “show proper respect to everyone.”
would you please circle: everyone
That refers to … the members of your family, your spouse & children;
… the jerk you work with at the office;
(no comments from the staff please)
… your mother-in-law;
… brothers/sisters of a different race;
“everyone” … even refers to:
democrats … republicans … unbelievers …
everybody !!
According to God’s holy word,
we are to respect everyone !!
The Bible also indicates:
that God is love (1 john 4:16);
that love comes from God (1 john 4:7);
that we are to be imitators of God (eph. 5:1);
and that we are to love one another (1 john 4:11)
…and… if we do not love one another,
then we do not truly love God ! (1 john 4:20-21)
So … if ‘love’ has good manners and treats everyone with respect;
and if we are commanded to respect everyone …
let’s talk about:
Why we should treat everyone with respect.
Next month,
we will be, beginning a sermon series today that we are calling:
connecting to our community.
This series will go along with the movie we have produced:
The Grace Card .
And, what we originally anticipated as a statement to our specific
community has become a statement to our entire society.
But, as demonstrated in this movie,
the awesome power of grace and forgiveness … can melt the
hardest of hearts and bring about reconciliation and healing
to relationships and even to those difficult-to-love type of
individuals, like ‘Mac’ McDonald.
(and I’m sure all of us have a “Mac” in our lives) – maybe more than one!
And what we are wanting to do in this sermon series … is to sort of “flesh out” some of the mandates of scripture that teach us how to live with one another so that grace is the rule of the day, not cynicism, nor rudeness nor disrespect.
And today – we are talking about:
showing proper respect to one another.
And we are going to look at not only how to offer this grace …
but how to receive it as well.
Let me begin by setting the foundation:
Respect – is one of the basic needs of life!
everyone needs to be respected … because we all want other
people to treat us with dignity & honor.
Not only that … but the Bible makes it very clear
that “respect” is one of those values,
that a stable family is built on;
and a stable life is built on;
in fact - it is even the frame-work for a civilized society !!
… if there is no respect among people for rights, for responsibilities,
for each other … then the civilization decays !!
And so today … we are going to look at:
how do you give and get respect !
Because …
they are the same thing … the way you get respect, is the
same way you give respect. - and they go together.
But before we look at that … let me just quickly give you,
the four reasons why the Bible teaches that you should
treat everyone with respect !:
Regardless of their lifestyle; regardless of their decisions; regardless of their behavior or beliefs; regardless of their race or political affiliation; the Bible says that every person should be treated with “respect” !!
?> why ?? …
four reasons :
A. Because God created everybody !!
Psalm 8:5 (GN) says: “you (God) made man inferior only to yourself;
you crowned him with glory and honor.”
Everybody is created by God; and God doesn’t make junk!!
there are no “worthless” people !
Now there are people who may do “worthless” things;
there are people who even do “wrong” things,
… but even the despicable, unlovely riff-raff of our
society … are all valued by God !
You see … we tend to be polite and kind to people that we consider to
be more important than us, or if we think they can help us better
ourselves on the ladder of social standing.
But we tend to be rude to people that we believe are below
our social status or to those who we perceive are attempting
to use us – to better themselves !!
Like Joshua Bell in the sub-way station of Washington DC …
?> I wonder how many of us – would have walked right by him ?
?> but, do you see what a vicious cycle of hypocrisy that can create ?
But God says: I created them all ! …
… and even the most un-lovable person … is loved by God !!
B. Because Jesus died for everyone !!
The Bible says:
“God paid a ransom to save you … he paid for you with the precious
life-blood of Christ.” - 1 peter 1:18-19 (lb)
Now … I, may not think much of somebody …
… but God does !!
In fact, he says: “they are worth dying for !”
And the cross of Calvary
-- shows how much people matter to God !!
Christ died for people who rejected him
and disobeyed him
and who scorned him !! …
-- Christ still died for them because
God considers them people of value and worth !!
That is why – in Matthew 25, vs. 40 … Jesus said:
“whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Therefore we see the importance and the value,
that our loving God has placed on everyone!
The 3rd reason we should show respect to everybody, (letter ‘c’) is because:
it authenticates that I am a child of God !!
The Bible says that “God is love” !! … and if I know God, then I’m going to fill my life with love. 1st John 4:8 (LB), says it this way:
“if a person is not loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t
Know God, for God is love !”
… and love … always treats people with respect !!
Jesus … ministered in a culture plagued with “racism”:
We’ve talked before of how he crossed cultural and racial lines – as he spoke with and ministered to the woman at the well in Samaria …
But even during the 3 years, in which he publicly ministered;
the Jews and the Gentiles … had a lot of racial hostility happening.
But Christ modeled that all men were precious in his sight !!
For example:
In Matthew 15 … a Canaanite woman came to Jesus. We learn that
her ancestry was Gentile – and at this point in history,
Jews considered gentiles to be unclean.
She approaches Jesus because her daughter is dying and her
prayer request was urgent – she recognized that Jesus
could heal her daughter.
Aware of this racial divide, Jesus says:
I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep – the people of Israel
And this Canaanite woman responds:
that’s true Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath
Their master’s table
While Jesus (through his initial response) acknowledged the racial divide;
his position was clear and his actions spoke much louder than
his words … for he healed this woman’s daughter !!
In doing this … he made his position clear and his actions modeled for us what we, in the church of Jesus Christ, should make very clear by our word and deed:
Jesus was more concerned about bringing everyone into the fold
of God – than shutting anyone out !!
And after Pentecost … Peter was taught the same lesson with the
household of Cornelius … and the church of Jesus Christ, has
been taught by scripture; and by example; and by mandate
of our Lord himself …
Christ died for everyone and as his body – his bride
we should be treating all men … with dignity;
respect and compassion !!
If you look at the life of Christ … he treated, even his enemies,
with respect ! … even those who wanted to kill him;
-- he wasn’t rude to them;
-- he was not “demeaning” to them;
… but he treated, even the people who were trying to put him to death,
with respect !!
Now … if I am filled with Jesus Christ’s love;
and the spirit of the living God is living through me;
then I’m going to treat other people,
the way that Jesus did !!
I’m going to treat them with value … and with dignity !!
And listen to me folks:
The number one test of your faith … is your relationships !!
especially those within your own home !!
because you see,
It is not so much what you say, you believe that matters,
… as much as …
how that belief comes out in your behaviour !!
The number one test of my faith … is my relationships !!
Which is why we are doing this series
and why we produced this movie …
because one of the things we will be judged for
at the judgment … is how we treated other people !!
And I believe … that at the top of that list … is how you treated other people … in your own family;
… and in the family of God – his church !!
We can get into deep debates over doctrinal issues;
and you can have all your beliefs right … but if you’re rude …
you are still wrong !!
Think about this:
Even when people were living in sin … Jesus corrected them and
held them accountable in love … and he was no milk toast … he
exercised firmness and strength … just like he did with the
woman caught in adultery:
- he loved her; - he rebuked the sin in her life;
- he forgave her; - he told her to go and sin no more !;
- but he did so with great gentleness and care …
because the Bible clearly teaches us:
“love is not rude !!…”
And letter ‘d’: because I will reap what I sow !
Now - this is the law of the harvest.
like the old adage: whatever goes around comes around !
This is, part of the warp & woof of the universe, I mean, this is just the
way God set it up, … that whatever a man sows,
he will also reap !!
If you want to be respected … it’s real simple:
treat other people with respect !!
If you want to be treated and valued with dignity …
it’s real clear: treat other people with value & dignity !!
If you want people to smile at you … you smile at them !!
This is built into the very fabric of our universe …
whatever you give out … you’re going to get back !!
The Bible says, in Galatians 6:7 (PH):
“a man’s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows.”
Another one you need to write down on your outline, is this verse …
Proverbs 11:17;
Proverbs 11:17, (GN) says:
“you do yourself a favor when you are kind !”
In other words: it never pays to be rude !!
I have heard it told, that:
great people are just ordinary people
who make other people feel great !!
And…the most respected people…are those who
are the most respectful people !!
They show kindness, and respect to other people;
they make others feel good about themselves;
and they receive that back in life … ten-fold !!
… because you reap what you sow !!
Therefore – let’s get practical about this and talk about some
actual “nuts & bolts” of showing proper respect.
In a world that is full of rudeness & disrespect, …
In a city that has struggled (at least in times past) with racism
and even to this day … still carries a deep
and painful wound in that regard ….
?> how can I show respect … in a practical way ??:
Let me give you five, very practical ways to do this …
very easy things we can all practice in our own lives … and….
in this church – as we seek to make a difference in Memphis, TN.
And … as we’ve said before:
part of truly loving people is a willingness to hold them accountable … so …
we had better talk about how to do that – respectfully, with love.
“a”. When I speak to other people
I need to be tactful not just truthful !!
Because …
the primary way that we show respect is with our words !!
Look at this next vs., please: Proverbs 15:33 (GN):
“what a joy it is to find just the right word for just the right occasion!”
And Proverbs 15:4 (NIV):
would you read this aloud w/me please ?:
“kind words bring life but cruel words crush your spirit.”
Now what he’s talking about here … is “tactfulness” !!
And tactfulness is a quality, that we don’t hear about too much
today … about watching how you say, what you say !!
I mean think about this:
?> have you not discovered that the way you say something,
determines how well, it will be received ??
sure !!
You can say the same thing in different ways …
and it will either be rejected -or - accepted !
And even the inflection of your voice,
can totally change the way a word is received;
The simple tone of your voice;
can help to disarm a tense situation.
And Bible teaches, that if you want to get along w/others in life
… the secret is “tactfulness” !!
It is like greasing the wheel of relationships;
it reduces friction;
it makes things go better;
and it is the key to a happy home;
it is the key to a strong marriage
it is the key to strong friendships or any relationship !
… learning how to be truthful and tactful
at the same time;
is an absolute essential ingredient of being respectful !!
If you say things in a kind way,
you don’t have to eat your words – so often !!
So I simply remind you:
None of us … are so special … that we can afford to treat others
with any sense of arrogant or disrespectful rudeness !!
The Bible teaches, in Ephesians cc. 4, about: “speaking the truth in love…”
And in Proverbs 15:4, we read:
“Kind words bring life but cruel words crush your spirit.”
Now stick with me:
God wants you to tell the truth;
the Bible teaches us not to speak falsehood …
But catch this:
we are to say it in a respectful and loving way !!
Often times the truth hurts … and it is “tactfulness” and
“respect” that removes the sting of that hurt - to where
others can honestly face the reality of their circumstance
and still feel self-respect & self-esteem !!
So … when you start to hold someone accountable …
you need to stop and ask yourself:
?> why ?? …am I going to say this ??
?> am I going to say it … to build them up; or to tear them down ?
?> am I going to say this … to make a point, that I will get credit
for? … or am I going to say this to try to find
some common ground ?
?> am I going to say this to protect someone’s dignity;
…or… am I going to say this to punish them for making a
mistake or a poor judgment call ??
You see,
many times when we think we are justifiably being candid and
bold-face honest … in actuality … we are simply spouting off
our anger - and we are venting our own self-justification !!
And there is no value to that !!
-- that is nothing to be proud of !!
There are many Christians who believe, that just because they
are telling the truth – that they can ignore common courtesy…
no ! … absolutely not !
Because, often times - in the church of Jesus Christ
that comes off as a “holier than thou” attitude;
or as a “self-righteousness”; or even worse
as a mean spirited, condescending arrogance … that is not
lovely at all … and that does not reflect
the image of Christ, at all !!
So … the Bible teaches:
be tactful not just truthful !!
“b”. When I’m being served by people …
I need to be understanding not demanding !!
One of the greatest test of your character … is
how you treat other people when they serve you !!
I’m talking about waitresses & waiters;
I’m talking about clerks & employees;
I’m talking about spiritual leaders and friends …
who serve you in love !!
I’m talking about with your spouse; your parent; your family !!
?> are you understanding or are you demanding ??
I have been embarrassed …at times,
to be sitting at a dinner table with some guests … and to have
someone in the dining party introduce me as the pastor of their
church … and then … to have someone in that dinner party,
act rudely or with condescension - at the waiter/waitress !!
Listen to me church:
you bear the image of Christ … 24 hours a day;
365 days a year !!
Jesus, said it like this, in Luke 6:31:
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you !”
that is: the “golden rule”
You see:
as one man put it: (Eric Hoffner)
“rudeness, is the weak man’s imitation of strength !”
Listen:
It takes absolutely no intelligence at all …
to be rude or dis-respectful !!
On the other hand:
It takes great character;
and great maturity;
and great strength .. To be understanding and not demanding
of people … especially under stressful circumstances !!
Because you see … the secret of great service … is to treat
people the way you would like to be treated !!
Jesus said: in mark 9:35:
“… if you want to be first, you must be last;
… if you want to be great, you must be the servant of all !!”
So treat people with respect … and be understanding,
not demanding !!
Play clip from The Grace Card about
Mac just losing it in the home
Now listen: the training ground for all that we are talking about
is in the home !!
In this scene (and throughout this movie) Mac has allowed bitterness and
prejudice and rudeness to overtake his life …
so his life is falling apart … and (obviously) so is his home !!
In fact – I think it would be safe to say:
more marriages and more homes are torn apart by “rudeness”
& “disrespect”; “selfishness” & “ridicule” … than we can count!
?> why is it, that we are the most disrespectful
to the people we love the most?
I know so many people who will put on a professional face of
courtesy at the office – but at home, they let down their guard;
they think at home they can be “real” … and they are cutting
and cruel and mean to their family …
And they wind up treating their loved ones
in ways they would never treat their friends or colleagues !!
But please heed this warning from your pastor:
Before you know it …
that same behavior
will be demonstrating itself in public as well !!
We need to recognize that the discipline …
the training begins in the home
and that we should be treating our
families and our loved ones
with respect, courtesy and love !!
This next verse has a wealth of wisdom for us:
proverbs 16:21 (gn):
“a wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant
his words, the more persuasive he is.”
So … practice this at home … at exercise this in public.
“c” when you meet people you disagree with …
be kind not critical !
Now … as a Christian believer in our society …
there are many, many things … that I dis-agree with !!
and I’m sure that is true, for you too.
Because - if you are a person that is really trying to live according to God’s will; and you’re trying to follow his word;
And you read in the Bible …
that these things are definitely wrong;
and these things are definitely right;
And if you do what is right … God places his blessing upon you,
and if you don’t – you wind up with all kinds of problems … so …
As a believer in Christ … there are many things in our society
that I absolutely abhor !! - I mean, they make me sick !!
There are things that I violently disagree with !!
?> but how am I suppose to react to these people ??
When somebody works with me; or is perhaps my neighbor; or maybe they happen to be a relative … but they have a life-style choice; or an attitude or behavior; that I disagree with … and in fact … I even know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is wrong !! …
?> how am I suppose to relate to these people ??:
Well … I need to remember two things:
(you’ll just have to write these in, in some space somewhere
- this is free counseling on Sunday morning)
#1. - I need to remember:
… that ultimately …
every person will individually be accountable to God !!
Every person will one day give an account to God for their own actions; attitudes; behaviour; and choices of life !! …
… I’m going to someday … and so will you !!
And so: one day - God is going to settle the score …
and I need to remember that !! … but the second thing I need to remember is:
#2. - I’m not God !!
So those people are not accountable to me …
and they are not ultimately accountable to you.
Now please listen carefully to what I say:
It is not my calling to run around, acting like a religious
policeman, to hold accountable those who are not believers
and make them act like they are believers !!
In fact - the scripture teaches that people cannot act the way
that God wants them to act … they cannot live a life, that is
pleasing to God … until … they get God, in their life !!
Because when they ask God into their life …
then he gives them, the power to change !!
However … here is where you are suppose to be listening carefully …
it is a different principle that takes effect … when the person
who is living in error calls himself/herself a “believer” !!
When a person who professes to be a child of God is living in sin;
it is the responsibility of a brother or sister in the Lord,
to hold them accountable – in love !!
Paul says in 1 cor. 5:12:
“what business is it of mine to judge those outside the church!
are you not to judge those inside !?”
But as I’ve always said … you must take the Bible holistically, and the Bible also says in Hebrews 10:30:
“…the Lord will judge his people…”
I know that sounds like some double-talk … but here is the deal:
In 1 Corinthians cc.’s 3 & 5 … Paul talks about how seriously & how
severely God deals with those who say they are a child of God
and profess to be a believer … but then continue to live in sin
and ignore the mandates of God …
And in love for our brothers & sisters … we are to hold them
accountable in love – in an effort to spare them
such severe judgment and/or punishment !!
… because Jesus Christ wants his bride – the church –
to be a spotless bride !
But this must be done in great humility and deep love …
because at the same time …
… I am called to be a witness … but not a warden !!
Okay ?
It’s not my job … to personally clean up everybody’s life-style
who are outside of the body of Christ … nor to make people
who are not God’s children, act like they are God’s children !!
And I recognize … there is a fine line there … because there is a
huge difference between being a witness and taking a stand for
Christ … and being a wimp and doing nothing, and thereby
adding to the problem of letting evil prosper …
But please notice this next verse …
Romans 14:12-13:
"Each of us will give an account of himself to God, therefore let us stop passing
judgment on each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling
Block in another’s way."
So please remember – what I’ve taught you before:
telling the truth is not -- being judgmental !!
If I tell you … ‘don’t go out onto Houston Levee Road and play in the middle lane,
because you’ll get run over - they drive crazy out there !’
That is not being judgmental … that is telling the truth !!
If I tell a young woman, who is pregnant …
‘don’t do drugs and don’t drink alcohol … because you’re hurting your child’
that is not being judgmental … that is telling the truth !!
If I tell people:
‘you need to live by the moral laws of God, and if you don’t it will cause all sorts
of hurtful consequences in your life !’
that is not being judgmental – that is telling the truth !!
We are dealing with community;
We are dealing with relationships … and we need to have close relationships
that love us enough to hold us accountable and tell us the truth …
But what is judgmental … is when you take the truth;
and you beat people over the head with it;
and then you enjoy it …
because it makes you feel morally superior !!
No, no. …
You tell people the truth to help them; to change them;
to develop them; … not to harm them or put them down,
and cause them to feel bad …
and sometimes, (like I said) the truth does make me feel bad - but that is not
your fault for telling me … you simply say it in love & with tactfulness …
and allow the truth to wake up those who need to hear it !!
What I’m saying is this:
You can disagree with someone - without being disagreeable !!
And you don’t have to devastate everyone you disagree with;
simply because they are not doing what is right !!
Because you can get more flies with honey …than with salt !!
And listen to me:
You can be right about something …
but if you don’t talk about it, in love … you are wrong !!
Because this section of scripture we will be studying in
1 Corinthians cc. 13, says very clearly:
if you don’t have love … you are like
a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal !
And honestly:
some of the rudest people I’ve ever met … were over zealous
Christians … who were so committed to the truth …
but who had no love for people !!
Remember then:
you can be right about an issue;
but if you are rude about it … you are wrong !!
Because the Bible does not say:
“the greatest of these is being doctrinally correct …”
The Bible says:
“the greatest of these is … love !!”
So please catch this:
If we are not treating others with dignity & love …
if we are not treating others with respect …
we are not pleasing to God !!
And we, as a church in this community,
as a church making such a ‘public’ statement through this movie …
we want to be known as a church of love & grace that offers
the hurting of our society … hope for life and help for living !
“d”. When you share your faith with people
do it while showing proper respect !!
Colossians 4:5-6 (jb):
“be tactful with those who are not Christians … talk to them agreeably and
with a favor of wit, and try to fit your answers to the needs of each one.”
1st peter tells us:
“if anybody asks you why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him,
and do it in a gentle and respectful way.”
1peter 3:15-16 (lb)
?> what are those verses telling us ?...
you don’t argue people into heaven !!…
We recognize that just as Jesus accepts us as we are and then works to transform us into the image of God … we too, need to love people as they are – while at the same time, lovingly encouraging them to become all God wants them to be !!
But you don’t argue people into heaven !! …
God says to each of us:
I want your life to shine … I just don’t want you to be a blow torch !
Share you faith, while showing proper respect.
And letter “e”:
when people are rude to you … respond politely !!
In other words:
Don’t retaliate by being rude back … that only adds fuel to the fire. Because the Bible teaches: (Romans 12)
“don’t repay evil for evil … overcome evil with good .”
Anytime, you treat another individual with respect,
dignity and honor … you are playing the grace card !
And I believe … God is pleased !!
So, I just want to encourage you :
…especially as the ‘visibility’ of Calvary Church will be heightened
in this community with the release of this movie …
We live in a generation that is very “me” oriented. In this narcissistic society – people are simply consumed with themselves; their rights; their pleasures… they are all looking out for number one!
And as stresses rise;
as pressures increase;
as patience is stretched …
our society is more and more becoming known for
it’s rudeness and it’s “self absorbed pre-occupation” !!
I just encourage you to be people of grace …
who know how to play the grace card !
So that when you face the judgment bar of God, one day …
you will be rewarded for the gracious, loving, respectful
and kind way … you treated your fellow man.
Regardless of gender;
age;
socio-economic background;
race or ethnicity …
I want Calvary Church to be the most polite,
courteous, family church in our community !!
when people come to our church … I want them to say,
Wow … they really love people there ! It doesn’t matter what
You wear or what you look like; it doesn’t matter what color your skin is; it doesn’t matter what your social status or background is … they are friendly and genuinely glad to see you. That church really loves God …
and really loves his children as well !!
That is the church Christ died for us to be … !
So … help us, won’t you … as we seek to connect
to our community !
