SEPTEMBER 16 : “PROMOTE CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FORGIVENESS”

Genuine and sacrificial love breaks down barriers and cements differences.  Love is the lubricant for relationship and intimacy. As instructed by the Saviour and the Christian community, love must be worn as a badge of discipleship and the determinant factor of what the church is, what she should be known by and known for. It should not be known by rites or peculiarity of dress or appearance of wealth, learning or fame, but must be distinguished by tender and constant attachment and preference for each other, favouring each other and promoting each other’s welfare.

This love entails patience, forgiveness and intentional care – (I Cor 13:4-7). You, members, leaders and all must deliberately model the sacrificial love of Christ, making it safe for others to open up and trust. At every opportunity, promoting and teaching what the scripture says regarding and modelling same in all aspects of the church community, that which pertains to love, confession, forgiveness, prioritising unity in diversity.

Since there is diversity of culture, tribe and environmental upbringing that determines our world view and perception, in this understanding there must be deliberate equipping of all to handle disagreement in Christ-like ways, fostering healthy relationships that create intimacy.

Do I have the Love of Christ in me that would prefer others above my interest and would forgive any, even ahead of being offended? How do I handle disagreements with other peoples’ peculiarities that differ from mine?

PRAYER: Gracious God, I crave the help of the Holy Spirit to love as you have loved me, sacrificially, without dissimulation, without pretences, that I may, along with other brethren, manifest Christlikeness and foster kindred spirit in my church community, Amen.