A Little Love Goes a Long Way

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.” (1 Kings 18:21 ESV)

Stubborn, unbendable, rigid, judgmental, and mean. These are just a few things people have called me, some of my family included. People may have called you similar things. You see, I will not compromise on the Word of God. It is inerrant, the truth, it is never wrong.

I can compromise; I am reasonable regarding where we will have dinner. What should we do this weekend? What color should we paint the bathroom? There, I am all about compromise. Sorry, my sisters, but there is truth in the old saying “happy wife, happy life.” I love my wife and want her to be happy, and if no one asks me to compromise on my beliefs, we are good to go.

I cannot turn away from the laws and teachings provided to me by God. My Lord and Savior comes first. It must be that way. Those who know me know when and when not to ask sensitive questions about today’s society and the Lord’s instruction. I cannot temper my defense of the faith. There is no filter. However, I am always kind and loving when asked to talk about sin. I stick with Paul on confronting sin. “I do not write these things to make you ashamed but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”(1 Corinthians 4:14-15 ESV) 

Elijah is telling us we must make a choice. You cannot live between two worlds, two federal heads; you belong to Christ’s, or you belong to the prince of the power of the air; there is no in-between, no gray area. No one wants to be “one of those people,” but we are; we must be. We are those people. We are the ones who have faith in God and will do his work. But as Jesus, Peter, and Paul have shown us repeatedly in the New Testament, we do it with love and God’s grace. One kind, minute of admonishment, loving rebuke, or patient explanation could lead someone to Christ.

Share a knowing smile when helping someone up makes a difference. When helping the lost understand their sin and who Christ is, act like the shepherd God wants you to be. When teaching the truth of the Gospel, help others see Christ in you.

Peace and Grace!