SHINING BRIGHTLY
JUNE 6, 2023
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
I would say that the chances are that we are going to encounter people who display the tendencies listed in today’s passage from 2 Timothy 3. Our encouragement today is 1) to avoid being one who displays these tendencies, and 2) to deal with those who do with love.
Let us be honest the “way of Love” is not always easy.
I would think we all have noticed, especially in the last few years, that our culture is becoming increasingly lacking in respect and graciousness, and the behaviors described in our reading seem to be on the rise.
Yet, what a great opportunity as a follower of Christ to shine brightly in a context of anger, agitation, and frustration!
In order for us to be this “bright light” we must rise above the day to day temptations to allow the culture to “squeeze us into its mold.” I must admit that it takes a conscious choice to resist being offended at every turn. That struggle is real. To be those shining examples of Jesus way that we all want to be, we must, with the help of God’s spirit, remain focused on the purpose to which we have been called: “Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Think about the last time you encountered someone who was ungrateful or unforgiving.
I would say that the chances are that we are going to encounter people who display the tendencies listed in today’s passage from 2 Timothy 3. Our encouragement today is 1) to avoid being one who displays these tendencies, and 2) to deal with those who do with love.
Let us be honest the “way of Love” is not always easy.
I would think we all have noticed, especially in the last few years, that our culture is becoming increasingly lacking in respect and graciousness, and the behaviors described in our reading seem to be on the rise.
Yet, what a great opportunity as a follower of Christ to shine brightly in a context of anger, agitation, and frustration!
In order for us to be this “bright light” we must rise above the day to day temptations to allow the culture to “squeeze us into its mold.” I must admit that it takes a conscious choice to resist being offended at every turn. That struggle is real. To be those shining examples of Jesus way that we all want to be, we must, with the help of God’s spirit, remain focused on the purpose to which we have been called: “Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Think about the last time you encountered someone who was ungrateful or unforgiving.
How did you respond?
With LOVE? or With OFFENSE?
LET US PRAY
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.
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