Harsh Defense of Faith

What should define a Christian? Do we ever implicate ourselves to scrutinize our sentiments or actions? Our first obligation is never to ourselves. We were given life. We believe God has a plan to save us. Our first obligation is to the One who made us and redeems us. Our Savior loved us enough to sacrifice for us. If we have anything to do with Him, His nature should rub off on us. So what should define a Christian is such a love for God that we are wrapped up in His presence and nature.

Unfortunately, we often find ourselves quarreling over whose beliefs are more correct. We are so sold on our doctrines that we often strongly oppose what doesn´t align. Our swift, and often harsh, defense of faith can be far from charitable. A better defense of the God who loves us would be to reflect His caring nature.

There are many ways to spend our time and energy. Engaging in debates, arguments, or accusations is not among them. Let us pray that we grow close enough to the Lord that His character can be seen in us

Dear Lord, fill our vision and our souls to the point where You are seen in us. Help us to be so focused on where Your heart is that others will see the bond between us. Amen

John 17:22-23  ESV / The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Colossians 3:10  ESV / And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

1 John 3:2  ESV / Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Romans 8:29  ESV / For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

2 Corinthians 3:18  ESV / And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Galatians 2:20  ESV / I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.