Tag: love

The Christian Walk: Faith and Love

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Galatians 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Have you ever thought about which is more important: faith or love? These are two vital aspects of one’s Christian walk. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Not to mention, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Additionally, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

There are many ways to study faith and love and much can be discussed about them. However, since this blog is meant to be simple and not many minutes, I’d just like to share a few thoughts.

Learning the principles of these two attributes are of paramount importance to a Christ follower. Perhaps faith is not currently taught as often in church as in the past because of the real or assumed mismanagement of the Bible’s teaching on faith. However, because of some teachers’ mishandling, whether intentional or not, we mustn’t avoid the many scriptures on faith and how they relate to our lives.

Jesus certainly made clear the importance of it in the lives of his followers, so we should as well. This involves following and teaching those elements of faith that seem impossible or difficult to believe. I call them SUPERnatural factors. If we don’t, we rob ourselves of the necessary elements for successful Christian living and bringing God the glory we should allow shown in our lives.

Furthermore, without faith, we can’t experience the salvation Jesus provided us with his death and resurrection. It is the main attribute in personally receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior; believing He died for our sins and rose again. It must remain a large portion of our teaching as in varying instances with Jesus actions and teachings, faith was required.

Likewise, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). As this wonderful action is continually exercised, it flows into everything we do and protectively affects any temptations to sin. Our measurement of love is seen in how we treat God, ourselves, and others.

A critical notion is, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). So, if we show no love in our behavior, our faith has no life. When we have faith, we believe, trust and stand on the truth of the matter. If we have love, we show consideration, compassion and respect for others.

There will be many opportunities in life for us to practice faith and love. I want to learn all I can about both so as to put them more increasingly to work in my life, as well as teach them to others. The Bible shows there are also wonderful benefits to demonstrating each and there’s no harm in desiring them.

How to Represent Christ

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Ever think about who or what we as individuals represent? Thankfully, the Bible tells us that believers are ambassadors for Christ, beloved children, a chosen race and royal priesthood, and God’s workmanship among other things. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 2:10).

However, sometimes, in our attempts to live as faithful Christians, we struggle with the battle between flesh and spirit, desiring to do what is good, but not carrying it out. Yet God is faithful to walk with us and counsel us as we represent Him effectively on the earth.

It’s important to note that the Bible tells us that 1 John 2 was written so that we will not sin, “but if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.“

So, as Christ’s representatives, loving is important, and understanding what it means to love is critical. The truth is seen in Christ and us: loving one another and living in the light, versus hating one another and living in darkness. Further, His Bible tells us the word of God lives in us and we have overcome the evil one! Now, our message as ambassadors or representatives of Christ is “Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20/NIV).

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19/NIV)

In addition, where there’s no place like home, as representatives of Christ:

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18/NLT)

“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.” (Colossians 3:19/NLT)

“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20/NLT)

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17/NLT)

This New Commandment is Deep

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Today I wanted to start my prayer time by reading aloud from the Bible’s book of Psalms as a prayer of my own. I arrived at one of David’s prayers and could not continue because it sounded so much like a curse against his enemies. Nevertheless, I understood his emotions having read all he had experienced from his adversaries in life. However, now we live in a new era after Jesus’ death and resurrection. We have been given a new commandment; a new edict, order, or rule: “Love one another.” (John 13:34) Moreover, this also includes loving our enemies as is taught by Jesus in Luke 6:27.

Interestingly, Jesus indicates it’s no big deal to love those who love us, and for most, if not all of us, even this is a difficult task. Yet the real demonstration of God’s love is loving our enemies (Luke 6:32-34). After all, this is what God does regularly showing His mercy and grace to everyone, though society sometimes represents this action as weak and wimpy behavior.

It’s actually scary to me sometimes, the thought of loving someone who may verbally or even physically abuse me. Yet God has ways unlike our ways and knows what is beneficial and wise for us in our responses to evil. We live to please Him. The Bible says to do good to them and lend to them without expecting anything in return. We are told to be kind and merciful to them (Luke 6:35-36). He tells us to bless and not to curse them and to pray for those who mistreat us.  He even tells us if someone slaps us on one cheek, to turn to them the other also, and If someone takes our coat, to not withhold our shirt from them (Luke 6:28-29). Now mastering these incredible feats really gets our Father’s attention and we will be rewarded by Him.

Nevertheless, I’m convinced that it is impossible to consistently love everyone without the help of the Holy Spirit. He’s the only person who can infuse us with the power to truly love someone who hates, hurts, and harasses us. Yet He doesn’t require us to repay them with like behavior. He is God and knows every unique fiber of their being and doing. So it is only God’s right and authority to handle them accordingly. Thankfully, God is love (1 John 4:8)!

May God give us the strength and courage to love everyone, including our enemies. Despite what society, and even some of our own brothers and sisters, teach us about self-preservation, we are commanded by God to live and respond differently–biblically. As a parent with children or a teacher with students, we may not always enjoy some methods of loving when we aren’t hearing or receiving exactly what we want at the time. Nevertheless, love in its many expressions, is an amazing blessing.

A Christian’s journey is a life of submission to a king and kingdom unlike any we’ve ever known. One that is not worldly, but where love is the chief commandment for living a holy and righteous life. In it, our aim is to do no wrong to a neighbor, even if he’s an enemy. By this we glorify the Father, acting like our Dad.

To me, in some ways, it just makes life easier; love them all! No need to pick and choose who gets the love. Though costly, God repays. Our enemies’ evil issues are not ours to transform. We can only say and do what God says. However, we leave it to God to change hearts in His highest sovereignty and wisdom, while we continue in prayer and obedience as an authentic follower of Christ. As we fellowship with our Father who is love, may we mature in expressing His kind of love to others.

Is What You’re Reading Real?

by Ms. Rita's Minute

If you’re a major fan of social media and find great joy in communicating within it, it’s wise to stay alert to the possibilities of catfishing in your neck of the scrolling woods. Of course, I’m not referring to the sport of catching that tasty seafood we often enjoy fried with a touch of our favorite sauce and perhaps a huge buttered baked potato and garden salad.

In our ever-expanding world of the Internet, the catfishing I’m referring to is the one where a person is lured into a relationship with a false personality, often undercover as a prank. There are many stories of people of all ages engaging in relationships with numerous identities, sometimes over years, never actually seeing the person behind the typewritten words. Some have delved deep into fantasies of love relationships while possibly communicating with anyone from age 19 to 90, male or female. Not to mention, some have been scammed for thousands of dollars because of being too naive or gullible regarding the possibilities of fictitious behavior on the web.

Today, I’m highlighting this topic as I recently pondered just how influential catfishing can be to someone’s life and the need to always discern the difference between virtual and authentic communication. Not to say one can’t communicate virtually with someone honestly, but that engagement must be proven to be a reality to be deemed safe.

I am urging you to keep in mind that the securest way to communicate with someone realistically is in person, face-to-face, not “almost” but entirely. That’s if you truly desire to know and be known by that person. Be aware that anything you encounter over the Internet should only be taken as factual if proven. Otherwise, it should be taken with a grain of salt. However, if there is greater interest, investigate its legitimacy.

Stay safe out on the World Wide Web! Sometimes, there’s darkness where we may only desire light.