They will know us by our love for one another

love-one-another-john-13-35

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
– Jesus (John 13:35)

chris-quimby-headshot-100px— By Chris Quimby
(Guest Contributor)

My conclusion from observing social networking posts from professing Christians (including myself), sharing the company of other believers, and reading online blogs from those that desire to represent the faith, is that there is a ton of negativity, dissatisfaction and disillusionment.

Much of the discussion is focused upon what God is against, what we are against (at least in our public proclamations), and how unChristian non-Christians are (as if we should expect otherwise).

In fact, if I’m being honest, this post is also a critique, but one hopefully with redeeming value.

So, with the intention of adding balance to the tone of Christian discussion, I wish to engage myself in an exercise of proclaiming what God is for, rather than against. I wish to celebrate those things that are worth celebration rather than lamenting those elements worthy of lamentation.

With that in mind, here are a few things that I am thankful for:

1. It is the kindness, not severity, of God that leads to repentance.

2. Seemingly impossible situations, rather than providing frustration for the Creator, actually seem to offer a canvas upon which he does some of his best work. In so doing, he removes from us the opportunity of taking any of the credit.

3. The Scriptures constantly remind me of the fruits of selfishness in myself and others, and provide for me the paths for righteousness and godliness.

4. There are multiple evidences in the Scriptures that God is more interested in honesty and integrity than formality.

5. The Scriptures are very clear that I am worse than I ever thought, but that God’s love and commitment to me is stronger than I had ever hoped to imagine.

6. Jesus did not come to just make efforts to populate heaven, but to change hearts and lives of those on this side of the grave, offering them an abundant life that sin and folly can never provide.

There are many more, but I will reserve them for other lists that I post throughout the following days. I hope these reminders are a blessing to those who claim Jesus as their Boss and Hero.

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Chris Quimby is a Christian comedian, speaker and writer and the Promotions Director of Grace Evangelical College & Seminary in Bangor, Maine.

www.chrisQuimby.com
www.gecs.us