[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Differences of Opinion"- (updated) Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Fri Aug 27 22:04:10 UTC 2021

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Differences of Opinion

It’s amazing to see how fast differences can divide people. Family, friends and even strangers become bitter enemies overnight. We could be at a dinner table having a delightful conversation when all of a sudden someone makes a political comment and all pleasantries disappear into an argument like an erupting volcano. What’s even more shocking is that hatred occurs among people professing to be Christians. We acknowledge that things like this exist “out in the world,” but refuse to even entertain the thought that it happens among church goers. If we are true followers of Christ, then we need to love “everyone,” including those who think differently than we do! If we could look at each other through the eyes of Jesus, we wouldn’t have hatred in our hearts toward anyone. We would see each other as human beings who have insecurities, fears, hopes, and dreams just like we do. Just because we have all been created differently, doesn’t mean that one person is better than another. If someone is different than we are or has a difference of opinion, an irrational fear of the unknown often rises. When your own thoughts and beliefs are not founded on the firm foundation of God’s love, it’s easy to vilify those who think differently. Don’t allow fear to control your thoughts and emotions. View human beings as children whom God loves and treat them accordingly. The Bible says in Luke 10:27, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” The truth is we are not defined by the color of our skin, by whether or not we are vaccinated, or by our political affiliations. We are defined by our identities in Christ! Don’t allow fear to shape your opinions of others. Political parties, beliefs, or theology may change, but our identity with Christ never waivers. When our identity is set firmly on God, there’s no need to be offended, angry, or fearful because of our differences. Text: Hebrews 12:14, Philippians 2:3, Proverbs 18:2, Romans 14:1-4

Bible Texts:
Hebrews 12:14 NKJV - Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 

Philippians 2:3 NKJV - Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Proverbs 18:2 NKJV - A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. 

Romans 14:1-4 NKJV - Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

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