The dog that growls and shows his teeth while wagging his tail is lying at one end. Similarly, a Christian that fights while claiming to represent Christ, the Prince of Peace, is inconsistent.
The Bible clearly reveals the source of turmoil and feuds. Such comes from conflicting passions within us (James 4:1-2). The Bible further urges us to manifest characteristics of love, long- suffering and kindness; never being envious, self seeking or taking account of wrongs.
Many of us try to work both sides of the street. One time we are preaching “love never fails” and the next time we are fighting and feuding. We are like that dog growling and wagging his tail at the same time.
There are brethren who seem to feel they can say and do anything against others because they are defending the faith. Defending the faith is a noble and commanded task, but it is to done in love. Defending the faith should not be used as an excuse for an un-Christ like spirit.
The Bible teaches that of the abiding qualities—faith, hope and love the greatest is love. It is nonsensical to be unloving as we defend the gospel of love. We cannot stand for the faith if we violate the very principle of the faith in the way we defend it. The same book that tells us to “contend for the faith” urges that we keep ourselves in the love of God.
Most of us see in every person the same qualities—good and bad, weak and strong but we react to them in different ways. And how we react reveals whether we truly love that person or not. We tend to always be more tolerant and defensive of our friends family. But if someone we dislike makes the same failures, we have lots of unkind things to say and repeat it to others. We express much more concern about who makes the mistake than what they did.
There are times when there must be discussion of the faults and failures of others and sin must be exposed. But when such discussion comes it must not be prompted by an unloving heart. The only proper motive for such a discussion is a desire to help and reclaim the erring one. What one has to say and the way it is said reveals much information about the speaker. A disposition to smear another by advertising their faults indicates a lack of Christian love.
It should always be remembered that we too are not perfect. What is the attitude that you want others to take toward your imperfections? A good way to test ourselves is to examine the reaction we have toward those who mistreat us. Do we love them or seek to retaliate? If our sprit is to look forward to the day of revenge rather than minister to their spiritual needs we need to spend some time with our Lord.
At Psalm 35:11-14, David spoke of those who rewarded him evil for good. His reaction was, “I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother.” That’s the way that makes for peace. Let’s try to develop it.
--Leon Cole