While I am away on holidays, I have asked a few friends of mine to guest write. Today’s post is from Kimberley Gal – a friend who shares the same desire to see the church bring hope to others. Kimberley’s message about how our love should compel others to live better lives is a crucial step in building strong community.
A year ago I was watching The Oscars.
Seth McFarlane was hosting that year and he made a comment that grieved me. As he was introducing the presenters for the next award, he said, “a vampire and a warlock – so basically everything the Christian Right says is wrong with Hollywood.”
Here’s what got me.
Why are we known for everything we are against? Shouldn’t we be known for our love for one another and what we are for? After all, isn’t it God’s kindness that leads us to repentance – not his condemnation or judgement (Romans 2:4)?
Our job is to lead people to Jesus and let the Holy Spirit be the one who convicts.
The world mocks us because we come across condemning. It’s like we are beating them over the heads with our bibles telling people what is right and wrong. And please hear me, I’m not saying anything goes, but I am saying, where is the love in our judgements and prejudices? Everyone seems to know what we are against, but what about John 13:34-35?…
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), but does that mean we should cover everything up? What would it look like if we lived in such a way that our love compelled and inspired people to live better?
I have been volunteering with a group of women who have been going out to our city’s downtown core to love, serve, and offer hope to street people. One night we met a transvestite. S/he was loud and vulgar, and I was somewhat in shock. I was trying not judge, but offer hope and see the hurt underneath the tough exterior. Apparently I failed miserably. In the end that person called me a “judgemental b**ch” and it really shook me up. S/he was trying to get a reaction, and it made me wrestle with what was actually in my heart and what my response would be. I’ve decided to love more, and judge less. I am not anyone’s judge, and I am not anyone’s Saviour. Only God can judge and only God can save. My job is to genuinely love God, and then to love others and lead them to the love and grace of Jesus.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect at this, but I’ll also be the first to admit that this is how I truly want to love.
What would it look like if we truly loved one another?
What would it look like if we truly loved without judgement?
What would it look like if we truly loved God first and then in turn loved others?
Kimberley has served with her husband loving the church through many different forms of ministry. She has watched people struggle to live out their Christian lives in the world and at times struggled herself with even wanting to go to church. Imagine a pastor’s wife who didn’t want to go to church?! It is her desire to encourage the church to walk with the same expectancy she has found and to bring hope to others. She longs to see the church of God truly loving others. But Kimberley’s greatest passion remains for her husband and their three gorgeous, energetic, determined daughters! Feel free to follow along with her Instagram journey: Kimberley Gal
