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How We Treat Others

Posted on: Mon, 2007-06-11 07:30 | By: matt | In:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -- Ephesians 4:29-32

Any thoughts about living this out in a world sucked into politics where bashing is a norm and a world that is increasingly against Christians?

Comments

#1 You're not gonna like my answer :)

Submitted by Bob on Mon, 2007-06-11 16:16.

Ok, so this isn't the answer you want...buuuut...since you asked:

Step one, as always, must be on our end. Afterall, Christians know about love and it's our burden to demonstrate it. So, I think the first step is to stop looking at the world in a way which you state in your question: "...a world that is increasingly against Christians"

I think the more we look at it as "them vs. us", the more we take the attitude that "the world is against us" the more impossible it is to love them or be kind to them.

So to me, step number 1 is to call people outside the faith "friends". The only difference between us and them is that they have not yet encountered Christ. (in every other way, we are the same as them). It's easier to love someone who is a friend in our mind than someone who is "against us".

Told ya you wouldn't like my answer.... :)

#2 Those Generalizations

Submitted by matt on Mon, 2007-06-11 17:04.

That was one of my generalizations and I was not trying to imply an us vs them but that is something that is going on. And, to be honest I think it's the Christians faults. We often do things that are sinful and make people want to smack us upside the head.

We do need to change the paradigm from an us vs them to what we have been called to do. We aren't an enemy or opponent of them but called to love them, show compassion, and outreach to them.