December 2015

other words, love must be without
judging neither condemning
them. We must put ourselves
in their place and apply compassion
while leading them to a
loving Savior.
By applying a meek spirit, we
have a better chance of affecting
lives more profoundly. God’s
servant must not be argumentative,
but a gently listener and a
teacher who keeps cool, working
firmly but patiently with those
who refuse to obey. You never
know how or when God might
sober them up with a change
of heart and turning to the truth,
enabling them to escape the
Devil’s trap, where they are
caught and held captive, forced
to run his errands. (II Tim. 2:24-
26). Our outward appearance
must give evidence of humility
with no signs of arrogance or
pride. This is why it’s important
to agree to disagree politely and
respectfully. Remember, the
devil, has been infiltrating their
mind with false images and information
for years. And the battle
of the mind is a stronghold that
only the Holy Spirit can destroy.
By all means necessary, avoid
igniting an argument with them
for it only create a chaotic scene
and push them further away.
In actuality, behaving in such a
manner causes them to question
your faith. The devil would like
nothing more than to have them
say; “See, I told you there’s nothing
to these Christians.”
“I knew you were false.”
Yes - Beloved, it is challenging
dealing with someone who
would rather exchange the truth
for a lie. It can make your flesh
cringe. But Jesus dealt with such
throughout His earthly ministry.
Anyone on God’s side listens to
God’s words. This is why you’re
not listening-because you’re
not on God’s side.” (John 8:47).
Jesus echoes such speeches
throughout the book of John. He
was often referred to as having
a devil and being a mad man.
(John 8:52; 10:20). Such was
simply due because He spoke
the truth of the words given to
Him from His Father. When
anyone desires to do the deeds
according to their flesh and
believe that which is in direct violation
of the truth of GOD’S word,
there will always be the need to
induce conflict and contention.
Whenever anyone holds onto a
hope that leads them to a hopeless
destination, they will hurl
accusations and become outraged.
Such actions help us to
understand that some will surely
perish and be eternally lost no
matter how kind and thoughtful
we will be.
There will come a time when we
simply must love them enough to
leave them to their own devices.
When a person doesn’t find the
gift of salvation to be sacred and
worthy, and choose to ridicule,
reject the gospel, thus, trample
on it and continue in
their own sinful ways
of the living, we
must trust that God
has another means
through which to
reach them. Do not
give that which is
holy to the dogs, and
do not throw your
pearls before pigs,
for they will trample
them under their
feet and turn and
tear you to pieces.
(Matt. 7:6; note verse 1-5). And
the Lord will send someone to
share the gospel of Christ to
them because there will always
be some who plant and others
who water. Afterwards, their soul
will be touched and their heart
stirred, causing them to grow
and the Kingdom of God to reap
a mighty harvest. (I Cor. 3:1-9).
In the meantime, we continue to
love them, and using the gift of
discernment, we will know when
to plant and water the seeds of
the gospel into their life.
All in all, we can’t afford to remain
silent, become fearful and refrain
from sharing the gospel of Jesus
Christ. We must operate under
the driving force of stubborn
love. While there are those who
are spiritually blind who will ridicule
and mock the gospel, there
will be those who will accept
and appreciate the gospel of
Jesus Christ and accept the gift
of salvation before it’s too late.
For this, we look forward to that
blessed hope of knowing that
our willingness to minister the
saving grace of God to those
without the hope of being saved,
will receive the revelation knowledge
of God and many will be
saved. God bless you.