C Q

  Christian Quarterly®

 The Visionary's Viewpoint

 

 

 

Dear Avid Readers,

 

God has been dealing with me about something that happened over a month ago. I am a NYC train conductor. I have dealings with all kinds of people but on this particular day, I found myself quarreling with a homeless man. I said some very unkind words to him in order to get him to leave my train.

After, I was very upset with myself because I had allowed this incident to bring back the old sinful man that the Lord had set me free from. As a Christian, I should have shown that man love. He is a child of God who happened to be homeless. The Holy Spirit, then put me under a heavy conviction and I told God that if I was to run into that man again I would apologize to him for my behavior towards him. Sure enough about two weeks later I ran into that gentleman and asked him to forgive me. I put out my hand, he extended his and we shook hands.

So, now, I would like to ask you these two questions. As Christians how should we show love and where do we get that love from?

In 1John 4:19 it states, "We love him, because he first loved us." (KJV) Jesus was an example of a life that lived and breathed love. He gave himself and calls us to do the same. True love is more than a feeling, it is a consistent attitude of giving ourselves for others. 1John 4:20 states, "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" (KJV) God spoke to me through His Holy Spirit by using my situation with this man. Although, the man was homeless, I should have shown him love and respect.

Often times, we get caught up in this status quo business and feel, since this person is not living like me we don't have to respect that individual. This is not truth...it is a lie from the pit of hell. We must love and respect everyone because we are all children of God.

How can we live in love? Such a concept is hard for us to understand because alot of us have been hurt, lied to and abused. But in my case, my pride and respect was challenged. It is our nature to organize our lives around our own selfish desires. If we have the love of God in our hearts, then we must love one another no matter what. It doesn't matter what that person has done to us or what social background they come from. We must love unconditionally.

Sometimes, we put more emphasis on ourselves than our souls. Remember God is the source of love. If we believe in Him and live for Him and pray to Him, He will send us more of his love along with His grace and mercy, so that we can break free from the bondage that has been stopping us from showing God's love to each other. This God kind of love is buried deep down inside of us waiting to be watered with His word.

So remember to trust in Him and He will set you free. Until next time...

  

Peace and Blessings,

 

 

CHRISTIAN QUARTERLY MAGAZINE is the vision of Bro. Ronald B. Wiggins, Founder and President.  Bro. Wiggins is a member of Christian Unity Baptist Church of Springfield Gardens, New York, where The Reverend Truman Glover, presides as pastor.