Accepting and Respecting Each Other
I had planned another sermon for today, but a situation arose that made this subject the most important to discuss right now. First and foremost, showing respect for each other DOES NOT require agreeing. Accepting each other despite our differences is what unites us as one in Christ. We ARE Jesus’s hands and feet on earth with each body contributing to the whole. If we waste our time focused on agreeing with each other instead of working together toward a common goal, we will likely fail.
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. (Amplified Bible version) We cannot succeed in our earthly mission if we are focused on emotions, feelings, and infighting.
Think about your marriage or other relationships in your life. If you could only stay married or be family/friends if you agreed on everything, there would be no marital, family, or friend relationships. If two people (ANY two people) agree on EVERYTHING, then maybe you want to make sure each person feels safe communicating their feelings. We learn and grow by respectful and well-articulated exchange of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It is what makes life an interesting journey.
Can you imagine what life would be like if God said He will only accept those who agree with Him? What about different religions and denominations within a religion? God ACCEPTS us as we are and teaches us to do better…live better. He RESPECTS our right to FREE CHOICE as is proven by the fact He gives us free will to do as we choose. However, He expects us to RESPECT Him in return.
The Bible has many laws, rules, and commands. God hopes we will do our best to abide by all of them, but He doesn’t reject us if we can’t put a checkmark on each and every single instruction He has given us. He helps us see the truth and hopefully, when we see the truth our perspective changes to one of righteousness and humanity.
As we put forth the required effort to accept and respect each other, here are some helpful implementation hints:
- Expect differences in ideology in those around you
- If someone takes a position in opposition to yours, don’t assume you are right (Sin of Pride)
- If you run across something on social media that upsets you, IGNORE it, and instead of making a negative reply, work on getting your emotions in check
- If you must approach someone about your differences, do it respectfully and with love in your heart
- DO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL THINGS and almost everything here is the small stuff compared to rescuing souls and being attentive to your eternal life
- Expect to feel emotional sometimes. Jesus got very angry at times and reacted in verbal and physical ways (Turning the money changing tables in front of His temple; calling righteous sinners (Pharisees and Sadducees) dens of vipers, etc.
- Do not resort to name-calling or otherwise trying to degrade another human being. Name-calling means you have no logical argument to state your case and make a normal disagreement a personal attack
- Make an effort to try and understand why a person feels so strongly about a particular subject. We each have individual life experiences and backgrounds, therefore our perspectives and beliefs are different. Expect it. Accept it. Respect it.
- ALWAYS remember we are here to work with each other for the Kingdom of God which leaves little time to squabble over earthy happenings. Keep your focus on what is right and true.
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (FOCUS)
If you read the Book of Acts, people from many walks of life suddenly found themselves living in communes and were required to work together and give everything they possessed to their new community that had the sole purpose of spreading the Word of God throughout the world. There were Jews (with many rules) Gentiles (who were seen as sinners) and others like Samaritans, who were once considered enemies. These people had once thought they hated each other, yet were brought together by Jesus to help save humanity by spreading The Good News. As you read through Acts, there were many disagreements and differences, but they quickly resolved them so they could focus on their monumental task at hand.
Modern Christians aren’t different, although social media has certainly complicated things. People can hide behind a computer screen and spew out lies and hatred as though it is the truth and righteous living. When people focus that negative energy on attacking each other, big chasms occur in God’s Kingdom. Even when a non-Christian attacks your character, if given too much attention or emotion, it diverts you away from the task at hand: Loving each other as Christ has taught us to love. John 15:12 – “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” and spreading the Gospel through word and actions.
As we enter this phase of polar opposite political and social beliefs, DO NOT lose sight of your real purpose on earth! We must learn to accept and respect each other, and that includes embracing our differences if we are to do what Jesus put us on earth to accomplish. Do not resort to name-calling and otherwise trying to degrade another person for their beliefs. Gently lead them to the Word of God so He can teach them if they are completely off course or ignore them if that fails. Do not allow your attention to be diverted and energy wasted on negativity when you can just scroll on by… God is always watching.
God bless with love and support, Lisa ><>
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