When Our Faith Looks Different

After yesterday’s post, how are we doing loving others?

I could do better.

There are times as hard as I try, I don’t show love. For whatever reason, distraction, or moment of weakness, loving others isn’t always easy to do.

But when we contemplate how much God loves you and me, and what He did to save us, we naturally want to extend His love to others. Wouldn’t you agree??

God calls us to love… above all else.

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 1 Peter 4:8 AMP

But what if your faith looks different than mine? What if we both believe in Jesus as our Savior, but we live out our faith differently?

Do we still show each other love?

Absolutely.

Should these differences cause us to be divided?

By no means.

Should they cause us to judge each other’s faith?

I pray we don’t allow this to happen.

After this year’s Superbowl I witnessed how social media lit up about Peyton Manning’s interview after the game. I especially noticed comments made by fellow Christians on Peyton’s words. And my heart became saddened by what I saw. Maybe you watched or heard the interview. If you didn’t, you can click here.

Then I found this about Peyton’s faith. He loves Jesus too.

Is it my place to criticize the faith of another Christian? God says to build each other up.

Is it your or my role to judge another person’s heart, faith, or the like? God is pretty clear in His Word about not judging.

When our faith looks different, can we find common ground?

I believe that common ground is found in the One we love in our faith… Jesus.

Just because Peyton’s faith may look different than mine, that doesn’t mean mine or his is better. How we live out our faith is between each one of us and God.

We can certainly encourage each other in our faith, and in doing so, present others mature in Christ. But let’s not tear each other down. When we can be unified in our faith, even through differences, God is glorified, and the world around us takes notice.

Let’s love, and not judge.

Let’s strengthen, and not criticize.

Let’s bless, and not condemn.

When our faith looks different, may we love, and encourage, and build each other up in faith. May we each be an example of love for others to follow… in our lives, in our jobs, in our churches, in our families, in our communities, in the world.

Blessings,

Julie