What Are You Hungry For?

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.   Galatians 5:14-15

How often have you seen people who confess to be Christians say or post things like: “Jesus ate with sinners. The church shuns them” I see it all the time on billboards, and social media posts that show up on my page. I’m not bothered by such sentiments from people of other faiths. From atheists to Zoroastrians their words and thoughts don’t overly concern me. We are to expect that and bear it patiently and prayerfully.

Let the world rush to label a Christian’s imperfections hypocrisy. Tearing down others to feel better about themselves is what they do best. It is a ready excuse for knowing the right thing but failing to do it. We have been told that offenses will come. We have even been told the days will come when those who kill us will believe they are doing God a service. So be it.

Fellow Christians who cast aspersions on a brother’s or sister’s faith and its sincerity, well, that’s another matter. It’s true Christians don’t all believe exactly the same thing in all points. However, our similarities far outnumber and outweigh our differences. We all share His name. We are all working toward the same end—to enter into the kingdom hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. There is no place in the faith for belittling a brother.

But what if he is guilty? The charge may well be true of someone. Public ridicule is not the remedy. So, what’s a Christian to do? The very first step is given to us in the context of Paul’s warning. Treat them as you would be treated.

Speak to them privately and in love without compromising the scripture. If they hear you, then you have helped a brother grow and all is well. If they reject your council, it’s time to examine it and its application and yourself under the light of the gospel and guidance of the Holy Spirit. If you survive that unscathed, and your brother still rejects your council, patiently and prayerfully commend him to God and leave him to his own master.

Devouring another’s faith may make you more socially acceptable and gain you “Likes”. It will not make you stronger, more “spiritual” or win the applause of God. Speak faith that exhorts, not memes that belittle.