The lockdown drove people to social media even more.
There are many stories in line with this, but I'll focus on online interactions between Christians.
Many arguments are going on, and the downside to these online debates is that they can turn off many unbelievers. Majority of online Christian communities do not represent Jesus appropriately.
That's why I encourage everyone to schedule time to read the Bible and pray. Our quiet time with God will help us understand Biblical concepts and the nature of Jesus.
Here's my devotional reading for this week:
3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?
4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's goodness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Here are my takeaways based on the verses above:
· We are not supposed to judge others
· It is God's goodness that will lead people to repentance
Let's discuss these concepts in detail.
We Are Not Supposed to Judge Others.
Luke 6:37
English Standard Version
37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
We are commanded to stop judging others and for good reasons. As you can see in the verse above, we will be judged in accordance to how we judge other people.
This reason alone is enough for us to stop judging. Another reason to stop condemning people is the fact that we are all sinners.
Romans 3:23
English Standard Version
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
The problem with us is that we put sin into categories. We say homosexuality is worse than laziness, but in the eyes of God, sin is sin.
James 2:10
New International Version
10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
We can't say we're better than anyone because we sin and will sin. All of us need Jesus. All of us are the same.
It Is God's Goodness That Will Lead Us to Repentance
1 John 4:19
New International Version
19 We love because he first loved us.
People turn to God because they experience God's love.
Arguing with people to make them love God does not make sense.
It is the goodness of God that will lead people to repentance.
Instead of forcing unbelievers and children in faith to accept doctrines, let's share God's love first.
Let's speak God's love by sharing His promises in the Bible.
Let's demonstrate God's love with compassion.
The Holy Spirit will work in the person. It will not be us who can turn people back to God.
Sum It Up
We must not judge others, or else we will be judged. We must forgive so that we can be forgiven.
Instead of arguing about our faith, let's share God's love and mercy through our words and actions.
Prayer of Salvation
Friend, if you want to know Jesus, but you are unsure of your standing in faith, say this prayer. God sees your heart, so say the words with conviction and faith.
"Father, I am a sinner. Forgive my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross so I could live fully on earth and in heaven. Change my heart and mind according to your will. This I pray, in the mighty Name of Jesus, amen."
Friend, if you prayed this prayer in faith, I believe you have set things right with God.
If you want to grow in faith, find a Bible-based church. You can also reach out to me through my social media platforms and this website, www.high3r.com. I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading this devotional story, and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website.
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