There are few absolutes in my life. One is that my faith and trust are in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and as my Savior. I know that not all on my friend list have this faith as I do, but it doesn't mean that I can't be friends with those people. I know for certain that one person with whom I grew up and who is very dear to my heart has a drastically different lifestyle than I, but I love this person dearly. I also have a friend on my friend list who is not just one of those casual friend list people but someone with whom I have truly shared day-to-day life and this person has a Muslim background. I have no doubt that this person is hurting over what is happening in the world just as my Christian friends are hurting over what is happening in the world.
Am I supposed to ostracize myself from my friend just because of what some bad people have done who also happen to be Muslim? Does our relationship change in any way? Do I view my friend any differently? No, I don't. I love my friend. I love my friend's family - the two precious children who have played in my home . . . there are fond memories of trips to the park and meals shared. The view that I have of my friend has not changed.
Questions keep popping into my head. As a Christian, Bible-believing woman, I go to the Bible, the Holy Word of God, for my answers.
For whom did Jesus die?
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
Now, I am not saying that every sin is automatically forgiven. One has to accept Jesus as Savior and ask for forgiveness from sin, but this invitation is freely offered to EVERYONE.
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Exactly whom am I supposed to love? (I have a previous blog post on this one.)
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
As these verses clearly state, I am to love above all else - first God and then others. That is all others. I do not get to pick and choose.
Is God aware of what is happening?
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Yes, He most certainly is and He tried to prepare us for it.
. . . In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
The real key to everything is Jesus - accepting Him, seeking Him, following Him, doing as He leads you to do. I only answer for me. You will answer only for yourself. It doesn't matter what your friend, spouse, parents, kids believe, do or say. It comes down to what you believe and then what you do with that belief.
My desire is to be the person God desires for me to be. I believe that is where true peace, true joy is obtained. For every person that looks differently.
Don't take my word for anything. Do your own research. Read the Bible. Find answers for yourself. If you haven't already done so, trust Jesus and follow His plan for your life. I believe that you will be glad you did.
Continuously seeking Jesus in order to have JOY . . .
Tami
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