What can we do that will really make an impact on others? How can we draw others to Christ? If that’s an important goal for you in this new year, you’ve probably already considered the words of Jesus when He shared the main way that we prove our Christianity.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By THIS all men will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34,35, emphases mine).
If our love for one another shows the world that we belong to Christ, what does the world think when we display anything less than love? In an effort to change/ teach/ enlighten others in the Lord’s body, we must be very careful that anyone reading or hearing our words can only think, “My, how they love each other!” So what are some ways we can accomplish that?
- Limit use of sarcasm, and remove snarky remarks altogether (Prov. 15:1; Col. 4:6)
- Make sure the majority of our remarks and writings paint the Lord’s church in a positive light (Psa. 133:1)
- Get in the habit of daily looking for ways to compliment and encourage other Christians (Rom. 12:10)
- Avoid a reputation of being deliberately controversial (2 Tim. 2:24,25; Eph. 4:29-31)
- Focus on unifying the body instead of promoting strife (John 17:22,23; Phil. 2:1-3; Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 1:10)
- Inject much more sweetness in speech and in writing (Prov. 16:24)
- Be ever so gentle in defense of the gospel (1 Pet. 3:15)
- Practice patience, even if attacked or wronged (2 Tim. 2:24,25)
- Think, think, think before speaking or posting (Prov. 12:18; 15:28)
- Share more Word than opinion (Col. 3:16; Prov. 15:2)
- Remember that true wisdom and kindness go hand in hand (Prov. 31:26)
As we strive to be salt and light, let’s also make it very obvious that everything we say and do is motivated by love.
Prayer for Today: Grow our love for one another, Lord, so we can draw others to You.
Reblogged this on The Grain Bin and commented:
Kathy says what needs to be said here, lovingly, simply, powerfully… Do people around us know us for our love for one another?
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For Sweet 2015 my goal is to focus on my brotherly love. Thanks for this selection of verses to study!
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What a great goal, and what a difference we could make if we would all join you in that goal!
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Thanks, Kathy. I’m already beginning to see that the best way to be built up is to be a spiritual builder of others. I enjoy your blog thoughts for that very reason!
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You are so right, and I needed to be reminded of that, thank you! And thanks for the encouragement!
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I found your blog a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed reading. In fact I sent a link to several of your posts to a friend who I thought would be encouraged by them. I look forward to reading more this year.
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Thank you, Melody! I appreciate your encouragement!
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This list is going on my mirror for a daily reminder!
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Great idea! Thanks for sharing it!
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What a great reminder! My husband says we have to be careful that we are preparing soil, not packing it down with indifference and insensitivity.
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Oh wow, I love that! Thanks for sharing your husband’s words of wisdom!
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