Repeatedly we come across Christians who always stress about their non-believing families or people who they don’t share same beliefs with, could it be their husbands, mothers, children or best friends.
They appear to be at peace with one another on any and other issues, but they don’t agree on their religious perspectives. Say, one is Islamic, and another is Christian, or more recently, they could be both Pentecostal who but attend different denominations.
In each case, they are taught different doctrines and imparted with dissimilar knowledge. Some are told not to eat certain foods, go to certain places or even disassociate with certain groups of people.
Some are immersed in water three times during baptism while others are dunk once. Some still believe in the full essence of the Mosaic Laws, and unsurprisingly, many hold it was rendered obsolete with the coming of Jesus Christ.
In other situations, women are still not allowed to preach before men because they are unclean and unfitting, while in other churches the same women can hold prominent positions than men.
The list of the indifference is endless …and more are even generated with the blink of an eye with the rise of many churches, a trend which has become more intermittently than anything else.
However, the voice of reason beneath all this controversy is, where is God standing and who does he stand with? And more importantly, what can be done to save millions of relationships which are on the verge of ruin?
Well, invoking a Rhema in this day and time could really be precarious, but we can delve into the Bible to see what God have to say about the Christian code of conduct, be it with non-believing families or mere radical skeptics.
Here are some scriptures that can help our stressing brethren how to relate;
‘It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only the only God’s will at times. Show respect for everyone.’ 1 Peter 2; 15-17
‘The Lord’s servant must not quarrel. He must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as he corrects his opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.’ 2 Timothy 2; 24-25
‘Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.’ Ephesians 5;2
‘And whatever you do or say, let it be a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give your thanks.’ Colossians 3;17
In addition, we also suggest that Christians do pray for those they love so that they find a common ground. One big request we have… just doesn’t compromise your faith.
May God help you in rebuilding healthier relationships with your beloved ones.
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