Marks of the True Christian (Part 4)

Rom 12:14  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 

Rom 12:15  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 

Rom 12:16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 

Rom 12:17  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 

Rom 12:18  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

These next 5 verses deal with each one of us as Christians and how we handle the many different situations that we find ourselves confronted with in our every day Christian walk. Others will speak harshly against us and try to provoke us into a confrontation just so they can say, “I told you so, that’s not the way a Christian acts.” When others know that we truly are a Christian, they get the mindset that we have to stand and take the abuse. If I can try to find kind words to say about whatever the situation is to oppose them or rebuke the sin they may confront us with before others, many times I have found that they just turn and walk away. However, there may be the one time that their heart becomes tender and they may ask why I didn’t react in a harsh or vengeful manner. This will open the door for us to begin to witness about the Grace of God and the mercy and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We may not always be able to do this, but remember, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Many may not want us to but there may be that one who is just looking for someone to show them kindness in an evil world. God Bless until the next time.

Pastor Shayne Monday, Mt. Carmel Freewill Baptist Church