Maybe it’s just my imagination? But, it seems there is much more backbiting, and bickering, now happening between like minded Believers.

Well, let me take that opening statement back.  It’s not my imagination.  It is fact!  There is, after all, nothing new under the sun.

You see; there is something inherent in every single person that has ever existed on Planet Earth.  That “something” is called flesh – human nature.  

As fleshly humans we all need to feel like we are, as many a charismatic, word of faith teacher would say, “the head, not the tail.” This, of course, is an awful misappropriation of Genesis 28:13, which says that Israel will be the head (the chief nation) of the world, rather than the least.  This will be fulfilled when Christ returns, and sets up His Kingdom.

There is not a single person who holds
the title of “Mr. Right All The Time!”

Yet, our natural tendency is the need to feel like number one.  We, seemingly, have to be correct, and win the argument, or the debate we are having. Let me take that back.  Take out “seemingly!”

None of us are 100% correct in our doctrine and/or practice, as much as we strive to be, but we can love others, and learn from them, as well.  There is not a single person who holds the title of “Mr. Right All The Time!”

The Apostle Paul paints a portrait of Grace, with the pen of Scripture (graphos).  

Our Motivation – Love

This “brotherly” love should be a natural love based on the behaviour of the Saviour.  God HAS forgiven you through His Son Jesus Christ.  The Believer’s response should be kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness toward his, or her, fellow members of the Body of Christ.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

Paul even commended the Thessalonians on their brotherly love, even though it was known throughout all of Macedonia!  Yet, Paul still besought (urgently requested) them to increase more and more!

That’s right!  That goes for us, as well.  One cannot “out love” the love of God.  But by growing in Grace, and walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), we can indeed “increase more and more” in that brotherly love.

One cannot “out love” the love of God. 

When we increase in brotherly love we also should become less concerned with the faults, and failures of others.  Our focus should be on our own work.  In the church, this means to be focused primarily on the doctrine, and spiritual well-being, of the assembly.  We, as pastors, should lead the congregation, rather than lord over it.

I have seen too many instances of pastors not being “quiet,” but being busybodies, needing to micromanage every aspect of everyone’s lives (insert 2 Timothy 4:2 here).

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. [10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; [11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

Our Methodology – Grace

The Grace of God, fueled by the live of God is truly our method we need to have.  After all, it is the Grace of God which justifies the sinner.  It is the Grace of God which sanctifies the Believer.  that teaches the Believer, and that keeps the Believer focused on eternity!

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. – Titus 2:11-14

Our Ministry – Grace to ALL

Titus 2:11 tells us that the “…Grace of God that bringeth salvation  hath appeared to all men.” How does this Grace appear?  I’m glad you asked.  It appears through us – the ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).  Think of it.  We are oftentimes the only Grace that people can see.  That’s why we need to KNOW, GROW, and SHOW His Grace!

Take advantage of the opportunity to show Grace to all men – yes, even the grumpy guy behind the counter of your local eatery, even to the person that cut you off in traffic, even to your in-laws (I just had to…😄)

When else will they see true Grace displayed?

Unfortunately, in the household of faith, Grace has given way to law and pragmatism.  This is one of the sad symptoms of “Churchianity Today.” More can be said about that, but I’ll refrain for now.

Unfortunately, in the household of faith, Grace has given way to law and pragmatism. 

Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way!

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  – Galatians 6:10

Our whole manner of life should be with Grace.  The Grace Life!

It’s not just about being in church.  It’s  a 24 x 7 deal.  The word “speech” in Colossians 4:6 is the Greek word “logos” which deals with every aspect of logic – It encompasses thought, and action.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. – Colossians 4:6

The Grace Life is possible, and necessary, for the Believer.  It is also very possible to show this Grace unto every man.  That is one of the goals of sanctification.