Marks of a New Christian
Oh please, Lord, I am not sure I even want to read this passage again! The title of the devotion is “Marks of a New Christian.” I read the passage for the first time and cringed. These are the marks of a NEW Christian? I am, very definitely and by every definition, an OLD Christian and I don’t even come close to this ideal. Okay, I’ll read it again.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12: 9-18
What does it mean “to love others”? Oh, I love my family and I even love my next door neighbors and their five delightful children. But does this mean I have to love the woman at the airport that told me she would give me a mat to sleep on the floor when they cancelled my flight? Does this mean I have to love the beggar I see on the street or the many enemies of our country I see in the news every day? And furthermore, do I have to “Really love them”? What does that mean?
One thing I feel good about is that I work hard. But then again, am I working to serve You, Lord? Or am I just working for myself and my family? Do I work in Your name and is it Your work I am doing or just my own selfish activities? It sounds like this OLD Christian has a long way to go!
And what’s this about blessing those who persecute me and asking God to bless them? Could there be anything more difficult? The world does not live in harmony, and yes, I must admit even my family is not always harmonious. It is hard for me, Lord, to be nice to those people who are not nice to me-and you are asking me to love them and BLESS them. You are asking us (OLD and NEW Christians) to live in peace with everyone. These are definitely hard goals to accomplish and maybe beyond what we can do on our own.
But wait! Now I remember, Lord! You sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and help us every step of the way. It is not on my own that I must do this but I can ask the Holy Spirit to help and guide me. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for having faith in me and having faith that as a NEW or OLD Christian, we can do all things with Your help. Help me to love others and to really love them. Show me what that means for each person/group I encounter. Let me be Your hands, Lord, and do the work that You would have me do. Bless those that are unkind to me and even those that are identified as enemies. Touch their hearts today, Lord. Help me and all new and old Christians live in peace, the peace that only You can give us, Lord. In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
This devotion is written by Julie Johnson.
If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Amy Wagner.
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