Withdrawal is what we need to fight against. When we withdraw from the poor, the handicapped, the dirty, the vile person, even against those who might have rubbed us the wrong way, we hurt ourselves and them. We become suspicious . Suspicion will always be the result of fear, it will prevent us from loving one another, instead we will HATE. Hatred opens the door for anything to happen that’s negative. Lev 19:17-18 (NKJV) Says,17 'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 18 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Eph 5:29 (NKJV) 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. Let’s learn to hate sin and evil with in us, not people, but the works of iniquity, every false way, vain thoughts and lying and we will rekindle love within our world. In Proverbs 6:16 to 19 we see 7 things the Lord hates. 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Amos 5:13 to 15 13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. 14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. 15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Amos was speaking about what is happening today in these last days, we must speak up against wrong, or we will all sink in despair. Hatred leads to bitterness and bitterness is as witchcraft which leads to anything goes. Who cares mentality, and that is when innocent people get hurt. No one suffers like the person who hates; it’s a boil, cancer and never ceases to hurt the person that hates. Respect According to Webster’s is 1. To show and feel esteem for, to honor. 2. To show consideration for; avoid violation of, or not treat with deference. 3. To relate to, or refer to; to concern. Polite expression. So respect is the ability to agree or disagree agreeably. It’s a two way street coming together as one, regardless of how far we might be thinking. The only way we gain respect is for us to begin 1st to show it. We find the Democrats and the Republicans can't find common ground, they are against one another. We see in many Churches, feelings that they are better than other Churches and it is killing our testimony. We need to be all serving the Lord and worshipping Him, not man. But we have dictators telling us it’s my way, our the highway, and that attitude is destroy the Church. Esteem for others is action taken by us as man, for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all Churches of the Saints 1 Cor 14:32-33 (NKJV) 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Then in Philippians 2:1-3 (KJV) we see a need for self-effacement 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. God allows us to see this become reality, as we turn and change directions from my will, to His will be done. Lord help, is my theme every day for with out Him we can do nothing to enhance the Kingdom of God. |