Zephaniah 2:3 says --
[Cross references: Zephaniah 2:3 : Amos 5:6 : Psalm 76:9 : Isaiah 11:4 : Amos 5:14,15 : Isaiah 2:10, 26:20,21]
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
(Galatians 6:10)
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen."
(Galatians 6:18)
Elsewhere in the Bible God also says, 'so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men' (romans 12:18).
Are Christians called to argue against and hate on people in the world, such as those who are gay? Or those who are pro-abortion?
How about prostitutes? Drug dealers? Convicts?
Jesus himself said that he came for the sick, for those in need of his help. He talked of how 'healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do' (Matthew 9:11-13).
Jesus came and met with, stayed with, ate and drank with the 'sinners' of the world. With those who needed him most.
The only time Jesus ever got angry and reacted in his righteous anger was when a place of worship had been turned into a marketplace (John 2:13-17). That's it.
Jesus is all about peace -- and God says many times in the Bible that we are to be like Jesus.
Jesus said to the prostitute's persecutors, he who is without sin, cast the first stone (John 8:7).
He saved the Apostle Paul, who had previously been a self-righteous murderer and persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:1-3).
Did God condemn the murderer? No, he used him mightily to change the world.
Did jesus condemn the thieves on the crosses beside him as he lay there bleeding to death -- for our sins? No. The one who professed him to be the Christ, he took to paradise with him when they died (Luke 23:43).
The other thief? Jesus remained silent towards him, not condemning him either.
Did Jesus hate on, or argue against, or mock, or even yell at any of the jews who got him crucified, and then mocked him and spit on him as he hung bleeding, nailed to that cross? No.
What did he do in that moment? he prayed for them (Luke 23:34).
Are you acting on Jesus' behalf when you argue against those who the Bible says are still blinded, and in the fog about the truths of God? (Galatians 6:7-9)
Or are you acting on your own emotional instability?
Do you honestly share 'the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ?'
He's given you grace. Do you give it to others?
The things that make you go, "Hmmm"
Peace. Joy. Love... these are just a few of the fruits of the Spirit. Do you have them in you?
If you think you do -- do you share them with others?
Peace? Joy? Love?
"Hmmm..."
