Are you tired of all the hatred, discourse, and division? Love is the answer. But love is difficult because our sinful nature gets in the way. How many relationships are severed because someone is not willing to tolerate another’s personal choice? How many mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, siblings, family members, friends, and neighbors, have lost loving relationships because of their refusal to offer love, grace and forgiveness? Why are we so quick to throw love away? Severed relationships are the result of appointing ourselves judge and jury. When we judge others, what standard are we using? As we look at our own lives, should we be judging others? Is it sinful pride and arrogance? Do we forget we are all sinners, none worthy of God’s love? In Matthew 7:1–2 (NLT) Jesus says, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” How plain and simple is this to understand? This should make us think long and hard about how we judge and treat one another. Do you want to be judged as harshly as you judge, or do you want the grace and forgiveness God offers? You can’t have it both ways. Colossians 3:13–14 (NLT) says, “Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Author’s comments: Emotions associated with hate, leads to a life of bitterness and resentment, because hateful emotions are contradictory to everything God. When we withhold love, we are sinning against God by not obeying what He commands us to do. In John 13:34–35 (NLT) Jesus says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” A commandment by definition is a command. It’s not optional. When we go against what God commands, our disobedience has a negative effect on our spiritual growth and strength.
If you would like help with your spiritual growth and strength, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you don’t have someone you can ask, or don’t feel comfortable asking, feel free to ask Bruce. Not only was Bruce spiritually inspired to write Battle Cry, but he is also spiritually inspired to help anyone who asks. Simply go to the website battlecrygoodvsevil.com and hit the contact Bruce tab and he will personally respond to your thoughts or questions. Bruce is a Christian counselor by degree, but more importantly, a spiritual counselor by God.
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