"I’m pretty sure that us saying "I love you God" is meaningless to Him if we're acting as though we hate each other, and are treating each other with disrespect and disregard. How foolish to even think we are fooling Him when we say, “oh, God you are awesome and We Love you.” I wonder if He says back to us, “Really? Then how about treating MY people with LOVE.” They will know we are his children when we have love for one another. Not judgment, not condemnation, not gossiping and harsh words….But when we love. God is God, He’s got the whole judgment thing down and really doesn’t need our help or input. Let‘s see how we can worship our Father this week by loving one another." (Sandi Patty)
Oh, how my heart stirred when I read this quote from Sandi Patty! This is something that weighs on my heart heavily...continually. It hurts...when someone says they love God and then they hurt my family, others...or me. It hurts...deeply. And yes...I claim to love Him...but I hurt others, too. Somehow it makes less sense when someone who doesn't claim to wear His name...or a family name...hurts us. But when they wear His name or family names...or call themselves friends...and hurt us...it makes a huge difference! It would be more acceptable for a stranger on the street to say or do something hurtful than a Christian brother or sister, family member or friend. Why is that?
When we claim to love and belong to Him, His family, a family or friend, we are expected to act a certain way, speak a certain way...and yes...LOVE a certain way! When we wear a name or title that promotes a relationship into something dear and special with others, we need to treat them accordingly. No one deserves to be mistreated. Each life is a precious creation and gift from God. Yet when we deliberately and consistently bring pain into another's life, we are not only hurting an individual but hurting the heart of God!
May our actions speak love. May our attitudes speak love. May our words comply with our actions. May our love for God never be inconsistent with our love for others. For truly, we worship Him best when we live for Him most. ♥~thl
No comments:
Post a Comment