1 Corinthians 12:31

We are living in strange and difficult times. Few can understand what pastors who really care about their flock are going through when issues arise that divide the sheep. I know all the rhetoric about standing strong in our faith, no compromise, and being true to the Word of God. I would not argue with any of these, they are holy expectations; but none of these diminish the love and compassion that our Lord expects us to have for one another.

None of the trials that we are going through today are any more difficult than those experienced by the saints who came before us. Each Christian generation must learn the way of God’s Love in the historical setting that has been given to it.

The Lord praised the church in Ephesus for standing steadfast in their convictions when others were teaching things that were polluting the purity of the Gospel; yet he chastised them for leaving their first love in the process of “cleaning the church.” Christ built the church, and Christ, not anyone else, has the power to keep or remove it. He also made it clear that where there is “No Love,” there will be, “No church.”

We are living in a time of great opportunity. We need not fight with flesh and blood; we are not one another’s enemies. If the world is dark, then we can turn up our candle and let our light shine more brightly for Jesus. We certainly can’t light another’s candle when ours is not burning. If we can’t accept the way another lives, then we should join with Paul and show the more excellent way. And, if you think Love is weak, then take another look at Calvary.

“O Love divine, what hast Thou done!
The incarnate God hath died for me!
The Father’s coeternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
The Son of God for me hath died!
My Lord, my love, is crucified!”