Intolerable...

Funny thing, well I guess it's not because its actually something we all struggle with everyday.. Tolerance. According to the dictionary, Tolerance means "the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with." We say that we're Christians "little Christs" "Christ followers" "Jesus Freaks" but we go along and continue blasting people for what they believe, say, wear, and how they live. There is no where in the Bible where Jesus said: "You must tolerate people as I have tolerated them." "Tolerate one another as I tolerate you.." Right?

Jesus called us to LOVE. You're probably thinking, DUDE I've heard this a million and two times already from church can't you just leave alone? Nope, I can't... I was thinking about this past week and all the times I could have been lifting up by brothers & sisters in Christ better. Man, I wasn't quite ready for the Holy Spirit to lay a smack down on me. :/

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34; John 13:35 ESV)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another. "
(John 15:12-17 ESV)


[Fulfilling the Law Through Love]
"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
(Romans 13:8 ESV)

Yep. That's what it says... Just wait. Because if you don't love one another, you're devising evil in your heart.

"..do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.”
(Zechariah 8:17 ESV)

See what I mean? Yes, bear with one another. IN LOVE. Not tolerating them..

"..with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,"
(Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 4:2 ESV)

Popular posts from this blog

Listening.

As I sit here listening to my fingers type at the keyboard, I listen to my brother play "Super Mario Galaxy" in the living room. When he first started up the game, a pleasent sound fell upon my ears & then a obnoxious, repetitive, LOUD music (I guess) came on suddenly as Mario traveled to a different galaxy... I wondered what my life would sound like if it was music. Hmmm. So, here is what I'm contemplating at the moment. What would happen if everytime I took something into my own hands, what would it sound like? Yes, I can keep Rhythm. I know some pretty chords, and some pretty nice tunes. But if I were to conduct the music that represents my life, how would it sound? I quite honestly think it would sound out of key, off rhythm, and slightly obnoxious. Why? Because my life is out of key, off rhythm, and slightly obnoxious apart from Christ. (You knew I was going to do that.. You must have!) Besides being the Master over everything, he can keep a pretty sweet beat. N...
Read more

You've been assigned.. 1 Corinthians 7:17

Image
I am currently struggling. I am tired and weak. My heart is broken, and I am at a vulnerable spot in my life. Trust me on this one, it's not a fun spot to be in. However, God in his faithfulness has shown me abundant truth. He alone has taken this heart and comforted it beyond belief. I look forward to getting into the Word of God every day, because I know that if I don't, I'll burst into tears. Now that I've come right out and said that, onto a quick story... I went to American Eagle yesterday. I needed to pick up a pair of shorts (on sale of course) that I can wear to camp.  We all know American Eagle's marketing slogan "Live your life.." Well, that simple little marketing ploy reminds me of something Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7. "Only let each person lead the life   that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in  all the churches." 1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV) Here's a paraphrased version... ...
Read more

Future Pastor, or Ministry Leader {This One's for You}

Image
I go to a christian college. So, at any christian college there is a pastoral ministry major and other ministry majors. Unfortunately, some guys sign up not knowing what they are doing. I see these guys everyday. I love the fact that they do indeed try, but if I were to encourage each one individually, I would call to their attention a few (but important) areas. Be Consistent Consistency is something VERY close to my heart. I love knowing that God is consistent. I have no worries regarding what He thinks of me, or whether or not I've earned His love for today. Therefore, it is important that you are developing consistency in your life. Now, consistency does not mean you should consistently be late, or sleep in, or keeping your habits of laziness. Consistency means that when you are hanging out with your friends, you are encouraging them. Consistency is a big indicator of your character. Although you are at war with the flesh and the world, you are relying upon God's stre...
Read more