Incredibly practical and needed discourse on a topic that is causing serious division and harm in the world and the church itself. If we might all pause and reflect how we are applying this scripture to our lives, we would truly be blessed. I will certainly start by intentionally avoiding the dehumanization and judgment that comes when I view a group of people and lump them into a nickname. That’s a tool of the evil one for sure! I also appreciate how you made it clear we can still focus our attention on speaking up for the disenfranchised but without the need for sowing hate against people. May God grant us greater insight and understanding and the heart to put this into practice. Thanks Harvey!
Speaking up for the disenfranchised without sowing hate toward people is honestly the hardest line to walk, and you named it better than I did in the article. Grateful you're taking the nickname thing seriously. Small practice, but I think it does real work over time. Thanks, Ralph!
In God's image. Yes, that is the key! The key to race, status, gender, etc. Who are we to have forgotten the grace given to us, only to face the world with a pocket full of prejudices? Your point about not creating nicknames so as to not dehumanize is something practical we can exercise. If I'm being honest, my first step-and often my last-to loving my enemies is to not escalate the issue. The guidance you've expressed in this series is so helpful. Praying for your enemies is part of walking humbly with your God.
Not escalating might sound simple. But honestly, holding that line when everything in you wants to fire back is its own kind of faithfulness. That definitely requires strength, Marty.
This has provoked a great deal of thought. Jesus established the highest bar which has always caused me to say that is not possible except by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to dismiss it. The Christian life is a journey and a process. I have suffered multiple forms of abuse by my father, within the church, at work and in communities where I lived. I have never considered the offender to be an enemy nor have I demonized them. God enabled me to protect myself where I could, to forgive several offenders but not all, and to have a relationship with at one without disclosing the offense. Thank you for this. Ever forward by God’s power.
Incredibly practical and needed discourse on a topic that is causing serious division and harm in the world and the church itself. If we might all pause and reflect how we are applying this scripture to our lives, we would truly be blessed. I will certainly start by intentionally avoiding the dehumanization and judgment that comes when I view a group of people and lump them into a nickname. That’s a tool of the evil one for sure! I also appreciate how you made it clear we can still focus our attention on speaking up for the disenfranchised but without the need for sowing hate against people. May God grant us greater insight and understanding and the heart to put this into practice. Thanks Harvey!
Speaking up for the disenfranchised without sowing hate toward people is honestly the hardest line to walk, and you named it better than I did in the article. Grateful you're taking the nickname thing seriously. Small practice, but I think it does real work over time. Thanks, Ralph!
In God's image. Yes, that is the key! The key to race, status, gender, etc. Who are we to have forgotten the grace given to us, only to face the world with a pocket full of prejudices? Your point about not creating nicknames so as to not dehumanize is something practical we can exercise. If I'm being honest, my first step-and often my last-to loving my enemies is to not escalate the issue. The guidance you've expressed in this series is so helpful. Praying for your enemies is part of walking humbly with your God.
Not escalating might sound simple. But honestly, holding that line when everything in you wants to fire back is its own kind of faithfulness. That definitely requires strength, Marty.
This has provoked a great deal of thought. Jesus established the highest bar which has always caused me to say that is not possible except by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to dismiss it. The Christian life is a journey and a process. I have suffered multiple forms of abuse by my father, within the church, at work and in communities where I lived. I have never considered the offender to be an enemy nor have I demonized them. God enabled me to protect myself where I could, to forgive several offenders but not all, and to have a relationship with at one without disclosing the offense. Thank you for this. Ever forward by God’s power.