Acceptance

The ultimate acceptance comes from God through Jesus Christ.  Without His death we would have no reconcilition for salvation.

^{John 14:6} Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

For most, this is almost impossible to receive!  What it does is asks us to look in the mirror.  Spiritually, most of us do not like what we see spiritually.    But God did not send His only begotten Son to die in vein, there was great love and hope in Christ’s crucifixion.

The only true rebel out there are the ones who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and are living the life they were intended to. Almost everyone is trying to match what they see and hear on the television.  Jesus Christ is the only man who lived a perfect and sinless life that died for His children.  He will love us if we reject Him and He will love us if we accept Him.  But… He will never force Himself on someone as their God.

The road of  Christianity is narrow and few really find it and comes with much adversity, but be of good cheer!

^{Matthew 10:22} And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Loving your family and friends comes naturally, but loving those who persecute you comes with a bit of discomfort.  It asks us to lean on God’s strength other than our own.  So why is it people say Christians are elitists and bigots?  When people attempt to belittle us, how are we to respond?  Well here is what the bible has to say about it:

^{Matthew 5:39} But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

We are to love them, but that does not mean we have to continue to share the gospel.  If they reject it then fine.  Do not cast your pearls to swine as the bible states.

^{Matthew 7:6} “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

We are to love them, but sometimes it has to be at a distance.  They do not have to hear the word from yo,u but that does not mean you have to stop from praying for them.  You can always pray that people who love the Lord will enter their lives and that their hearts be opened to hearing His word.

We should always be compassionate but also speak the truth.  There is a fine balance that the Christian must endure and that is the line between compassion and truth.  The truth sometimes hurts but it will save a person from further pain or death.  Compassion can comfort a person but if not given the truth can enable them from growing into all they can be because there will be no need to grow.

We can disagree with people and still love them.  I disagree on certain subjects with a few close friends as well as family about very controversial topics.  Does disagreement equal bigotry? Absolutely not!  No matter the situation we are to love the person and accept them but that does not mean we have to agree with what they are doing.

^Amos3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Close friends and family are hard to come by and you will be very blessed to have found even 2 and maybe 3.  There are few people God places in our lives that we can depend on in any situation.  And this is very important when it comes to marriage above all.

Arguing with a Fool

It has been said don’t argue with a fool because it confuses people.  Even if you are right, a fool will argue and argue their point, not just because they think they are right, but because they want to win the argument.

If you choose to continue an argument trying to relay wisdom and they do not receive it, agree to disagree and move on. It is like throwing pearls to a swine.  Now a swine can not appreciate pearls and furthermore they will not respect the person giving them.  It is at this time we are to accept that they do not want or like the truth.

It is true you can win an argument and lose the soul.  For the Christian this is a vital part of bringing those who do not believe to the Lord.  It may at times it may be hard but it is our call and we are not led by our emotions but by the word.  If they do not accept the truth respectfully decline further discussion on the topic and continue to love them regardless.  They don’t have to listen to you but they can not run away from prayers.

Marriage

Are you equally yoked?

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

This is not to keep us from having fun but God preventing separation from Himself and  His children and sometimes, even divorce. When God says to not do something, He has a valid reason and it is for the best.

Man and woman in marriage should challenge each other in a positive spiritual way in order to grow closer to the Lord.  As the man is the leader of the household it is vital for him to step it  up, think ahead, anticipate, pray for wisdom, and humble himself.  The fish rots from the head as they say and if the man is not fulfilling his role, it is more likely for the woman to not reach her fullest potential.

Remember it takes iron to sharpen iron!

2 Cor. 6:14.  In context appears to deal only with unbelievers, and mainly referred to in fellowship than marriage.  However, when this verse is read in combination with other passages in Scripture (such as Old Testament commandments against marrying pagans–Gen. 28:1, Ex. 34:12) it is apparent that Scripture clearly stands against yoking yourself in marriage with one who does not share the same faith.

In all you do pray for spiritual discernment and have a blessed life!