Yesterday, I wrote a post which expressed my concern for the church.
I reminded we are to expect the world to hate us because it hated Jesus Christ first. I expressed concern for the deception seeping under the church’s gates and the need for us as Christians to be peace-makers despite the current rhetoric espoused by critics and pundits alike.
My heart has not changed on that matter.
Today, I want to encourage us all to stand firm in our FAITH in Jesus Christ: “…for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” John 16:27
Hold onto the HOPE which the Bible gives to us: “…in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:11 and LOVE those who label any Christian a ”hater” because of what they affirm: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
As Christians, we must face the reality that we have a spiritual enemy who will seek to strike us down in the most effective way possible. Discouragement. Heartbreak. Loss. Fear. Worry. Envy. Anger. Indignation. We must never forget that God’s plans and ways are above our understanding.
What the enemy might intend for evil in our lives (especially if it knocks us for such a loop we become overwhelmed) GOD will turn around for His purpose and our benefit. Something which the enemy intends to cripple us, becomes a source of resolve through the Holy Spirit.
Above all, God is love. He defines its very meaning. This is why, as His people, we must emulate those ideals in our lives even when it is difficult. Why even if we falter, we turn regret into repentance, yielding everything to God.
There is Faith. There is Hope. There is Love.
And the greatest of these…
is LOVE.
About Kristine McGuire