As we continue in our transition from summer to fall, I have noticed a change of scenery in our community. As a school bus driver (among other things) I notice the colors of the trees are changing along with the décor on the houses. People like to decorate for Halloween early; and as we get closer to the day, so does the increase of spooky decorations in the yards and on the houses in the neighborhoods that I route through.
I am not a fan of Halloween décor, but we do like to decorate our house with Christmas decorations when the time comes. While the change of season is nice, we have all come through a rough patch. These past couple of weeks were particularly hard with the Charlie Kirk shooting. His memorial service, however, was nothing less than God honoring and Christ centered. I watched almost the entire service, which was well done. The most impressive part of the service was when Erica Kirk publicly forgave the man who murdered her husband. This was a powerful and revealing moment as this woman of faith stepped up to the plate and delivered the Word with what she said and did.
Sometimes our flesh wants to react and hurt those who have offended us, or even worse, taken from us what can’t be replaced. I have found that believers, even when they are under duress, but who still display a Christ-like attitude, tend to deliver a better witness of the Christ. This is what Erica did when she forgave her husband’s killer. She delivered a better witness for Jesus that also honored her husband.
I have a saying, ‘There’s no extra charge for being nice.’ I say this when people, believers or not, tend to react to various stimuli that is thrown at them. Sometimes the offence can be non-intentional, other times it may be in response to something offensive that was said or done. However, whatever, or whenever it happens, our response needs to be more Christ-like toward the person or situation. Just because you can say ‘I told you so’ doesn’t mean that you should. Sometimes being a more mature person in a given situation can render a more positive result in the end.
I try and be as nice as I can, even when it’s difficult to do so with certain people or situations. I love the Lord and I want my love for Jesus to be a reflection of His love for others through me. I can’t do that if I am being mean or hostile toward another person. If I profess Christ, I want His love to flow through me.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard (provide) for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:14-18
Sometimes it just isn’t possible to be at peace with everyone; but we can do our best to try. The idea of being nice is akin to being Christ-like when facing mean or disheartened people. If you were to take a closer look at their life, you might discover a deficit lodged within them. If we can be the better and more mature person, than God can use us to be a better witness to those who struggle with being nice in a given situation. Not everybody can be nice, but if you cand do it, it won’t cost you extra in the end.
Jesus said, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
– Luke 6:31
As we continue on through this year and into the fall and winter seasons, we should try to do our best to be our best for the Lord as we improve our witness of the Christ. As always, this should begin with our family. I am sure our extra measure of grace will prove to be a blessing to others in even the most difficult situations.
Be encouraged as you walk out your faith in Jesus and love those whom He has blessed you with or sent your way.
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 