It has been a over three months since my last post. Let's just say my plate has been really full. Completing my masters thesis and preparing for a major relocation have been time consuming to say the least. Taking care of my little one has also proven to be more work than I thought, I must confess...kudos to all the working moms out there. I can only imagine how much harder it is with a full time job. Not that I'm complaining...I know I am blessed to have one to look after.
Reflecting over the last few months, something in particular has been on my mind. The fact that many of us who identify as Christians may find ourselves in hell if Jesus comes today because of "little sin". A lot of us are not likely to commit "big sins" like murder, adultery, fornication or robbery. However, it is these "little sins" like gossip, dishonesty, anger and bitterness that infest most of our lives. We even find ourselves sometimes justifying these sins. However the Bible clearly says sin is sin...if we break one commandment we might as well have broken all:
James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."
Bearing grudges or "lack of peace" is one of these "little sins" many of us Christians struggle with. If one offends us, we use it to justify the absence of peace in that relationship. Let me share some verses that convict me personally as far as this is concerned.
Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord"
Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Living in peace with everyone requires active effort...hence the use of the word "PURSUE". And for a Christian who hopes to one day be with Jesus, it is not optional.
Bearing a grudge hinders fellowship with God! No one is worth losing salvation over, don't you think? So yes whenever I am tempted to bear a grudge, I re-read these verses, pray for grace to swallow my PRIDE and make peace no matter what.
Reflecting over the last few months, something in particular has been on my mind. The fact that many of us who identify as Christians may find ourselves in hell if Jesus comes today because of "little sin". A lot of us are not likely to commit "big sins" like murder, adultery, fornication or robbery. However, it is these "little sins" like gossip, dishonesty, anger and bitterness that infest most of our lives. We even find ourselves sometimes justifying these sins. However the Bible clearly says sin is sin...if we break one commandment we might as well have broken all:
James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."
Bearing grudges or "lack of peace" is one of these "little sins" many of us Christians struggle with. If one offends us, we use it to justify the absence of peace in that relationship. Let me share some verses that convict me personally as far as this is concerned.
Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord"
Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Living in peace with everyone requires active effort...hence the use of the word "PURSUE". And for a Christian who hopes to one day be with Jesus, it is not optional.
Bearing a grudge hinders fellowship with God! No one is worth losing salvation over, don't you think? So yes whenever I am tempted to bear a grudge, I re-read these verses, pray for grace to swallow my PRIDE and make peace no matter what.
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