Where We Live

Jun 3, 2020 | Blog

Where We Live

I wanted to start our conversation tonight about a subject that can be a tinderbox amongst some with this warning. Some of us may get upset, some of us may let our emotions get the better of us one way or another. I would just remind each of us that there is no political affiliation in heaven. Absolutely no race, just ethnicity that all is celebrated under the blood of Jesus Christ.


Ro 12:9–21 

  1. How I should think about me:

9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 

  1. Many conversations are not “good” they are filled with narratives from every side and spur argument and often a cognitive dissonance, and complete lack of empathy. That might be best described as a complete lack of being able to see it from another persons perspective. And we all have our reasons for often rejecting even the attempt to see it any other way. But I encourage you, listen even just to this one verse.
    1. A love that just loves your own or what you like isn’t godly love. Thats just narcissism. Dont fake Godly love, exercise it, practice it.
    2. We should be sickened by what is evil. Even the glorification of evil things. I often fail in this.
    3. Cling, like a drowning man  to a lifesaver, cling to what God, not you, defines as good. Paul then describes what that looks like. Dont let evil actions of others to draw you to darkness.

10Be kindly affectionate philostorgoi: be devoted to one another with brotherly love, philadelphia: love as related in honor giving preference to one another; really valuing your brothers and sisters in christ! This includes your really family lol. Family always is.

11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; we need to be serious about this behavior. To do this is to serve the Lord

12rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; rejoice again rejoice! Php 4:4 Always in Jesus is hope. So can get through trouble, always talking to Him.

13distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Actually helping, not just word action. Do.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. When the word curses us, comes against us, right or wrong, dont return the same. Cling to  

15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Ok to have compassion – to feel.

16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Be very careful here. With the divide we are experiencing anything could happen – look for those humbly presenting solutions, not the proud no one is right but us on any side.

17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Dont let evil actions cause us to commit our own atrocities.

18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. note, it does say possible. Those times may come you have to take action – but if you can, be a peace-maker. 

19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Dont feel you need to get even, Jesus always does. And did on the cross.

20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Find a kindness to do. 

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This is a weapon, true godly kindness. 

  1. We cannot allow ourselves to get caught in things that, and we need to look out for our fellow believer. 

Galatians 6:1–5 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Dont get to into it. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For each one shall bear his own load.”

  1. So as we examine how we should possibly respond to those things around us that we know might be unimportant but the world finds dreadfully important, help us lord to be loving, forgiving and gracious in our response = to not ignore truths, but not to glory in things or try to “win” per-se. Let us be careful to be good citizens as we want to be, but first and above all, to be good disciples of Jesus Christ.