3:8 – I’m Right, You Aren’t!

#faithbites #faithjourney right

I recently had a very heated debate with a friend about faith and religion. Her response about being so adamant about her belief and being right was “if I didn’t think it was right I wouldn’t believe it!”

We all have strong beliefs. It could he faith, religion, politics, life, fandoms, or anything. We hold onto these beliefs because we think they are right and we defend them. Sometimes, they are worth holding onto, other tones we need to let go, and still other times, we can learn and grow deeper in them.

The key to this growth is listening, learning, and being kind. We can coexist with others and not believe what they do. We can also be open to listening to them and why they believe what they do, without compromising our beliefs.

Our God is a God of love, law, and compassion. We, as children of the same God, shoul emulate his love, law, and compassion.

Scripture

• Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19
• A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion – Proverns 18:2
• To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. – Titus 3:2

Reflection

We don’t want to be fools. We also dont want to give in to false prophets (Matthew 7:15). This is a balance. At the same time, we need to be kind.

When we say we are right and don’t listen, we are shutting down an avenue for God to work through. When we post memes that reduce a group to an enemy, we show hatred and not allow God to speak through us. Finally, when we have to be right at all costs, we’ve lost an opportunity to introduce someone to Jesus.

Faith, politics, religion, and just about anything important, can’t be said in a 140 character tweet or a meme. You may be right in your core belief and that’s great. It doesn’t mean you can’t learn, listen, and help people grow.

Challenge

Before you push someone on your beliefs, listen to them. Before you hit share on that meme, think if you are shutting a door someone could walk through towards Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, you give us strong beliefs in you. Help us to not shut the door when talking to others. Be with us as we converse with those of different beliefs. All of these experiences are a chance for us to bring people to you. We just need to do it in peace, kindness, and love.