BACKGROUND:
Paul now broadens his perspective to the world where the believers live—in this case, the capital of the empire, Rome itself. The community of believers was a tiny segment, vulnerable to the edicts of pagan emperors and persecution by any who disagreed with them. Paul, aware of these realities, counsels believers to avoid trouble by refusing to retaliate when persecuted and to respond with good when they are treated with evil, as Jesus had instructed as well.
Christians should be happy with others, with no hint of jealousy; and they should share the sorrow of fellow believers, offering kindness, concern, compassion, and a shoulder to cry on if needed. The believers needed to have this as they dealt with the ups and downs of daily life in their surroundings.
Following Jesus will mean that believers will pass through a kaleidoscope of experiences in life. Christianity is neither denying life’s hardships, nor dulling life’s excitements. Our perspective of eternity in Christ can free us to enter into the full variety of living. Both laughter and tears are appropriate before God. Each has an important place in representing our feelings. Identifying with the joys and heartaches of others is also an important way to show them our love.
In order to live in harmony with others, and especially with fellow believers, we must not act important or think we know it all. Instead, we are to enjoy the company of ordinary people. James leveled a scathing indictment on believers who were practicing favoritism and elitism in the church. People of low position are only identified as such by the world’s standards. Christ thought they were worth dying for, and so we can associate with them.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what i have read today?)
The next step in building a loving church is v. 14 "Bless those who persecute. Bless and do not curse." Do Christians ever persecute other Christians? Of course they do. Someone has said the Christian army is the only army that shoots it's wounded. Somebody stumbles and falls and rather than bringing them into the church we kick them out of the church. The last place they need to be is kicked out! If somebody is going through a difficult time they need to be in the body, not kicked out of the body -- "You're not good enough for us!"
The point is that there are going to be some Christians who get carnal, they get in the flesh, and they're going to try to make your life miserable. The Phillips translation says, "Bless those who try to make your life miserable." Bottom Line: Never speak evil or negative of a brother/sister in Christ.
The word "bless" literally means "speak well of". When somebody criticizes and maligns you, you are to speak well of them. It's the exact opposite of our natural inclination. My inclination is to criticize them back. If somebody strikes out at you your natural inclination is to strike back.
Don't get invoked in backbiting. This is the ministry of affirmation. We ask God to bless people but you can actually bless people. You can bless people by the way you talk about them. When somebody ridicules you and puts you down, you speak well of them. George Washing Carver said, "I will never allow another man to belittle my soul by making me hate him."
You can choose your response to me but I choose my response to you. I can't control what you say about me but I can control what I say about you. That's what God will hold me accountable for. When somebody criticizes somebody in the church he shouldn't go around bad mouthing the brother back. Instead, bless people. Find something you can approve of. If you look at anybody you can find something to criticize. Any fool can criticize. Sometimes it takes a little more creativity to find something you can approve and affirm.
v. 15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Be sympathetic to each other's feelings. Take into account each other's moods. Be sensitive. Don't you love being around that kind of person? When you're up they celebrate with you. When you're down they sympathize. Christ did that. He was at both the weddings and the funerals.
Everybody needs understanding, somebody to listen. Sometimes it's easier to weep with somebody than it is to rejoice. Maybe the person just got the promotion that you wanted. Or maybe their salary just got doubled and you took a pay cut. Envy creeps in. Maybe you've been praying to have a new baby and haven't had one and they have. Sometimes it's harder to rejoice with those who rejoice. Paul says be sympathetic to each other's feelings.
When we do these things - we live out the Word of God. Ponder these foundational truths in your heart today. I love you guys. Stay faithful. Stay the course.
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