You know Beloved, I’ve been saved for many years now and many people still brutally attack me for past errors, immoral conduct, or wrong pathways I’ve taken. I’m sure there are many of you (like myself) that are being mistreated (abused, neglected, victimized) for what occurred years and or even DECADES ago.You (like myself) have repented, received salvation, and are living a morally good life and doing well, but there’s still some people that won’t let go of your yester-year(s). Instead of reconciliation, all they tend to remember is mistakes people make, never trying to grant them the opportunity to change. And you know what’s more thought-provoking is many of the people that’s casting insults have been in some sort of immoral actions or still in dishonest trades and law-breaking activity. And it’s sad but true, many of the attackers go to church Every Sunday morning or at their spiritual edifice every time the doors are opened, and many are in our family!!! Beloved, I stopped by this morning to give you some REAL TALK!!!
WE NEED TO STOP FREEZING PEOPLE IN TIME.
You know, there are so many instances in Peter’s life when God could have “frozen” him in time. But He never did. Peter, the impulsive disciple never really thought things out. In Matthew 16:21-23 he “corrected” Jesus, earning him a sharp rebuke from the Lord. In John 18:15-27, He famously denied Christ but in John 21: 15-19 he was restored. And in Galatians 2:11-12 he once contributed to racial divisions within the church. The issue arose when Peter (known also as Cephas) had separated himself from the Gentiles. He had just started to freely associate with them. But some Jews arrived who insisted that circumcision was required for believers in Christ, so Peter began avoiding the uncircumcised Gentiles. This marked a dangerous return to the law of Moses. In verse 13 Paul called Peter’s behavior “hypocrisy”. But because of Paul’s bold confrontation, the issue was resolved, and Peter went on to serve God in the beautiful spirit of unity He intends for us.
Beloved, no one needs to remain frozen in their worst moments. In God’s grace we can embrace each other, learn from each other, confront each other when it’s necessary, and grow together in His love.
Let us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, at this time I come asking You to draw us close to You today, so that we may also be closer to each other. Protect Your church’s unity. Give us understanding where there’s distrust. Heal us where we’re divided.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen and Amen.
