PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 23:23-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The accusation had to do with questions about their law…” (Acts 23:29)
How does the world react when they see believers fighting among themselves.
I’ve been through seasons when churches were fighting and dividing.
Questions about “their law” (their views) led to some nasty words and actions.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” (John 13:35)
By what… what is the distinguishing mark of Jesus’s followers?
That we fight one another, that we argue and disagree and divide?
“That you love one another” (John 13:35), this is what sets us apart.
The same ought to be true for how we relate to people of other faiths.
We do not need to agree on everything, but we need to disagree with love.
I remember how one dividing church had to go to court to fight for assets.
How did this affect the judge and lawyers’ view of Jesus and his message?
Jesus came to save us from the world’s way of dealing with disagreement.
The Spirit of Jesus in us is urging us to handle differences differently, better.
The greatest virtue isn’t being right but being loving – may others see that in us!
PRAYER
Lord, may our debates about “our law” never keep us from fulfilling your law of love. May the world see your better way through us.
“but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.” The dispute among the Jews was outside that of Roman law – and was ruled by the Roman authorities not deserving of death or imprisonment. Kept thinking of Jesus before Pilate. Pilate came to the same conclusion but ‘caved-in to the demands of the Jews. This time round, it did not work for the Sanhedrin. Yet, so many believers are killed – not only Christians but also Muslims and Hindus because of their faith or better to say of their faith that is different from the dominant one. Secular authorities/governments need to do what the Roman authorities did in the case of Paul – establish just and fair hearings. And so do we need to inside the church or religious structures – we too need fair and just hearings and just application of rulings with grace and compassion. Help us Lord to be fair, compassionate and gracious! Help us to see the best in each of us and not seek to push or alienate each other!
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.
However, many a time we insist upon our own way no matter the cost. We forget whose we are. The love of God is not found in us. We forget about producing good fruit.
Help me Lord each day anew to live at peace, Your peace and as far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind. His peace passes all understanding.
May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.
2
May the Word of Christ dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r.
3
May the peace of Christ my Savior
Rule my life in every thing,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.