Rejoice:

Read:

Titus 3  1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Definitions-
Slander: the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another’s reputation
Considerate: thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others
Peaceable: disposed to peace : not contentious or quarrelsome
Gentle: free from harshness, sternness, or violence

There are a lot of Christian leaders (specifically those on the conservative side) right now that are slandering a lot of people. They are adding massive negative commentary about leaders’ actions because they are tied to an opposing political party, or even are seen as murderers (due to their abortion views). They rationalize not landing in the 1 John 3:15 passage seen in the picture above because they have put themselves in God’s seat and determined these people cannot be saved…  It’s odd because by doing so they have logically placed themselves within the same condemnation as those they are hating. These same christian leaders are posting divisive images where Democratic leaders are calling us to unite and they (the right) are adamantly saying “NO WAY,” claiming their calls to unite are garbage, and even degrading those on the left as a whole- this is slander and is perpetuating the same hate the left is doing.

Christ said in Matthew 5″²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” Perhaps they are only reading the KJV which adds “Without cause” before the phrase “being angry.” We must be aware of the difference between 1)shepherding our flock vs publicly posting on facebook and 2)sharing facts without reading into someone’s intentions vs posting facts and assuming we know the intentions. We have a conservative leadership among our country which is killing the Democrats in their hearts while justifying it because of the left’s allowance of abortions. It’s odd because we just read in Titus that leaders are to to remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to slander NO ONE… That means lay out the facts, and stop adding your commentary. Point out the issue of abortion, but don’t simultaneously push a negative narrative with it. If a Christian is for or against abortion our negative commentary will not persuade them to change, instead the facts will change them (potentially). If we continue reading we see exactly why we should be acting in accordance to verses 1 and 2:

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

We once judged people on their actions and assumed their intentions, when we were still judged for our sins. NOW we are freed from sins, not based on what we have done but on Christ’s mercy. We are freed so that we can see truth, let’s stop acting like our freedom and ability makes us better than them. Perhaps they are still not free, perhaps they are still misled, perhaps we should listen to Jesus? Share love, share mercy, share grace, AND share facts. However, we are called to NOT slander and inject our own personal opinions on how people “truly think.” We need to stay in our lane and stop thinking we are shepherding Facebook users… they are not our congregation.

⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Respond:

Spend 1 minute thanking God for the mercy He has shown you when you were still foolish. Then spend 2-3 minutes asking the Lord to soften your heart towards those who speak, thinking, and act different than you (that includes people you are certain are wrong). Pray for those who support abortion (if you don’t) and pray for those who don’t support abortion (if you do) and realize that either side of the fence you are on… you’re a terrible person and need to give mercy and be patient with others just like Jesus did. He is being patient with you as you grow, so don’t assume others are going to grow overnight.

Relate:

Prayer gets our hearts aligned with the Lord. While you are praying for people who are in opposition to you, GOD will sanctify your heart and start pulling you to love people. Remember, Paul was a murderer and God opened his eyes. Don’t assume someone who thinks it’s ok to commit abortions is useless for God. IF YOU DON’T THINK THAT THEN YOU NEED TO BE ACTING IN A WAY THAT CAN BRING THEM TO JESUS!! Your actions will demonstrate your thoughts. Today’s ‘relate’ challenge is simply to pray for people. We need our hearts softened, because right now we are hating the sinners and opposition (some of you hate me now).