5:92 – You don’t believe in God?

#faithbites #faithjourney believe

Intro

During lunch, today, my youngest and one of her friends had a conversation. My youngest said to her friend, “You don’t believe in God?” It was both a statement and a question. Then they discussed who made us, God, your parents, Adam and Eve, and the conversation went from there. I could tell her friend was a little uncomfortable based on her reactions, so I said we love everyone no matter what they believe or do not believe. The kids went on talking, eating McDonald’s, and then went to play. There were no harsh words, no animosity, just love, and play.

I thought to myself, Adults could learn a lot from the kids and how to interact with each other.

Questions

• What goes through your head when someone says they don’t believe?
• How do you respond to them?
• How would God want you to respond?

Scripture

• Hebrews 11:16 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
• Ephesians 2:8-10 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
• 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Reflection

The Bible is very clear about believing in God. That if you believe in him, you shall everlasting life, and be given all the rewards he has been promised. We also see that God chose us as his children and everything we have is because of Him. It is not our own doing.

With that being said, how do we treat the unbelievers? The simple answer is, ‘We love them.’ In 2 Peter we see that the Lord isn’t slow to fulfill his promises, but he is patient so that all can reach repentance. We count being fast in minutes and hours, while God counts it in lifetimes. It is not for us to judge, but to love. We should want all to seek Jesus and love him. At the same time, we must admit our own faults and ask for forgiveness. God is perfect. Jesus is perfect. We are flawed as is how we practice our religion. There is no one true Church or perfect place. Since we are humans, we all mess up. My church isn’t better than yours. Yours isn’t better than mine. God judges, not us. What we need to do, as Jesus did, is focus on loving one another, putting their needs above our own, and trying to show God through us.

As we close, I’m glad my kids are having these conversations with their friends. They aren’t pushing or demanding, just growing and learning. They are far from perfect, as am I. Each day they grow

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for saving us and bringing us closer to God. Help all of us to learn from you and our children. Unbelievers are not the enemy nor evil. They are your children who don’t know you yet. Help them see you through us. Help us to have the words to discuss, help, and love them. We pray this in your name, Amen.