Most Christians if
asked about their “love quotient” would agree that they can stand to grow in
love. We might say we need to do a
better job of loving unbelievers and people at work. We struggle to love those difficult neighbors
or in-laws who know how to "push our buttons." But how do we love other Christians,
especially those we worship corporately with?
There seems to be an unspoken rule that believers are expected to behave
(toward us) in such a way that doesn't trouble us too much. "I can take it at work, because most of
them aren't in Christ. But when I come
to church, I expect it to be a place of safety." How many of us have either uttered those
words or have heard them while counseling a hurting friend?
Should that be our
expectation? Are Christians held to a
higher standard as we walk out our faith with one another? Let's get more personal. What expectation do we as Christian women
have of one another? Are we expected to
love one another and be considerate with our words at all times? Isn't that what the Scriptures teach? True Christian love is considerate and
thoughtful. It doesn’t seek to promote
itself while unwittingly putting others down.
As we review 1 Corinthians 13, we can indeed say that Christian love is
kind, compassionate and considerate.
So what happens
when our sister is wanting in the love department? How do I react? What is my response? Do I keep an account for her many infractions
against me (I mean...against God)? Or
has my love been stretched enough to make up for what she is lacking? What does Peter mean when he says to love one
another "fervently" with a love that will cover a multitude of
sins?"
Have you ever
harbored any of the following thoughts?
•
I don't fit in at this church
•
The women of this church all seem.....
•
I know she doesn't like me so I'll just be cordial and keep my
distance
•
They don't like me
•
What did she mean by that comment about my blouse?
•
She just thinks she is so.....
•
I'm too progressive of a thinker for these women
•
I don't measure up
•
They don't measure up
These thoughts are
planted by the evil one. His goal is to
keep us from thinking the best of one another and covering each other's faults
with love.
Before we close,
maybe you don't struggle to love the women in your church. Perhaps your Christian experience has been
conflict free and you want to keep it that way (smile). Could it be because your life has not been
"messied up" by our mess?
Perhaps you didn't know that sister Abigail has just lost her mom and
she's devastated. Or that Susan has just
learned tragic news about her daughter.
It's easy to erect walls that protect us from being hurt or being inconvenienced. After all, your life is busy already with
the cares of your home, work and family. But that is Satan's robbery. You are needed to minister healing to the
body of Christ. Hatred is not the
opposite of love; apathy is.
So again, How is your love
life?
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