“For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29, ANP)
Do you look at others and yourself in this light? Are there those that you give more grace to than others? These 3 verses go a long way toward helping us to review how we go about doing this. When you consider You and Me, first get rid of comparing. None of us can walk fully in another person’s shoes, on their path, experiencing what was experienced, etc. Not possible. Then, after you’ve put comparing away, begin to look at both of us (and everyone else) in what Paul says in Galatians. Now add John 13:33
“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
In terms of your attitude and subsequent words and behaviors… everything begins with Jesus command to love. This is not always a simple thing to do because none of us are always loveable. In fact, sometimes we are downright unloveable. Loving isn’t gooey and mushy nor does it condone sin … and yes, you need to know what love is. It is a word and it is also an action.
One example: Scripture tells us we should speak the truth in love… that’s the standard, and truth isn’t always easy to speak or hear. However, I think that the underlying rationale to NOT do this is self preservation. Let’s be frank – we don’t want to be viewed by others as a negative and criticizing person. Our focus is not on the truth… it’s on us. This should not be. Luke 17:3 should be our guide:
“Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him.”
One ‘quality’ of love that I try and follow is to look at how I might respond to this expression of love if I were the recipient – how I should view a word of correction from others. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves. and 2 Peter 1:10-11 gives us further reason to stop before we react. If we receive a word of correction in anger or embarrassment … we’re not following these directions, and no, it’s not always easy to accept.
Do we use this as our standard, guide in accepting and giving correction/truth in love. Ideally… yes. Realistically – not always. Being true to who you are becoming and caring more about you needs to be our motivation.
