Live and speak lovingly
This week I have been reminded three times (and it’s only Wednesday)!! That I should be very loving and kind with my words. It has started me thinking about how I speak and whether all that I say is with love toward other people. The spirit has a way of repeatedly nudging our minds as a way of directing us, and I believe the spirit is asking us all to consider not how you think you are speaking but how others think you are speaking. We are called to speak with truth and love, knowing that there may be consequences for what we say.
If the truth cannot be spoken in love, then it is not truth. Love is never rude (1 Cor 13:5)
That leads me on to the meeting of General Synod this week. Unless you live under a rock, I am sure you know that the General Synod is meeting to discuss the blessing of same-sex marriages. Protestors are calling on the Church of England to stop discriminating against gay people, saying the offer of prayer and blessing for same-sex couples is “an insult” and “not sufficient”. In his opening speech, Archbishop Justin Welby admitted that too many LGBT people have heard the words of rejection from the church of England and apologised.
Where is the love for one another?
Don’t just pretend to love others. Love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12 9-13 NLT)
In verses 10–13, Paul gives us examples of how this love for each other should look as we pursue harmonious living (righteousness) through faith. Love looks like giving preference to each other, allowing others’ needs to come before our own. Love looks like diligently praying and sharing our resources, time, and space with others in need.
As Christians, we are worshipping and serving a promise-keeping God who sustained the Israelites through slavery in Egypt, exile in Babylon and the occupation by the Romans. We honour and serve a God who forgives us no matter what we do; He is generous with his blessings, is patient with his love and fights for the marginalised in our society.
By following His example, perhaps we could learn to act and speak to one another (and ourselves) just a little more lovingly.
Written by Kirsten Davidson, Fundraiser for Swindon Youth for Christ