Looking, but Not Finding
If I value someone, what they say and believe is important to me, because they are important to me.
If I can dismiss what someone says, I do not value their thoughts and opinions...therefore I do not value them.
Dismissing or mocking someone does in fact devalue them. It does to them, as they experience it, but it also exposes the true value they have to you, in your heart.
John 13:35
New International Version
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Disagreement among Christians is normal, as it says:
Proverbs 27:17
New International Version
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
It is also healthy. However, when one wants to be right rather than correct, they always resort to dismissiveness and insult.
Love as it says in Scripture is not self seeking, therefore it cannot be rude in argument. Also, since love rejoices in the truth, it will always pursue that end rather than the elevation of self.
Where is the disagreement in the churches? Where is the real love that seeks truth...for all! Especially for those who we think believe incorrectly?
When you talk to the unsaved, do you love them? Do you talk to them with patience and kindness?
How do you talk to those with different doctrines than you in the church?
Do you have patience and kindness?
Are you interested in teaching truth?
Or are you looking to be right?
Tell me! Where is the real church of God?
John 13:35
New International Version
35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Sorry, I think it isn't in the buildings anymore, maybe it never was...
