Loving Others Through Difficult Times...Taking Christianity Into the World

Loving Others Through Difficult Times...Taking Christianity Into the World

Just recently I received the attached letter (which of course was sterilized to protect all parties concerned) from a Believer who was seeking to be obedient to God's word. Perhaps the most difficult verse of all in the Bible is Philippians 2:3 which calls us to respect and consider others better than ourselves even though, perhaps intellectually, the facts suggest otherwise. The letter is as follows:

I need a little help with this concept you talked about respecting someone (from a faith point of view) that you really don't respect. I am about to have to deal with a person in our field that I do not respect in their personal or professional life. For several years I have just chosen not to put myself in a position to have to deal with them. I am going to probably have to deal with them shortly and any helpful prospective would be appreciated.

God's word is often difficult for us to comprehend and even more frequently difficult for us to apply. To that end, I have listed below several examples where I have felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be more like Jesus, than where otherwise the world and often my natural response would take me.

Lies, Slander and Gossip. Over the years I have encountered numerous occasions where there were those around me who, in spite of my heart, actions, deeds and good intentions, were perfectly content to spread lies about me, impugn my reputation and gossip behind my back. Though most all of what is said about us in this fashion is based more in fallacy than in fact, frequently there are times when these items can cause much malice and harm. However, when I am able to put on the righteousness of God, I know God will fight my battles for me and that by my faith and reliance solely upon him, I do not need to respond to mindless personal attacks or personal chatter.

Telling the Truth in Love. Being all who God made us to be requires that we live in the moment, in truth and centered on God's word and love. It is only by living in his truth and by only speaking what is true are we able to see what is truly before our eyes. By seeking to see the world as God does we are best able to offer grace and forgiveness to others regardless of their malice, bad intentions, and sin. For it is indeed Christ himself who forgave others as they crucified Him.

Seeing Through God's Eyes. By gaining the altitude and perspective of God we gain the required wisdom to help others. Though there will be those about us who we might be tempted to look down on for physical, economic, cultural or physical reasons, God does not allow us the freedom to judge His people, lest we be judged. Seeing others as Gifts from God, as they truly are, will allow us to best see the world and others the way God desires.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/  and for his latest book Overcoming Life's 9/11's: Job's Journey visit http://www.john-dillard.com/  or all John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304

Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!