To heal, we need to talk to, not at one another. We also must be disciplined to do so in a productive manner. Not easy. Especially now. Several years ago, a worthy discussion took place within a group of younger adults. Each could hear what one another was saying, and many listened up to the point of disagreement. The disagreement sadly turned divisive. This isn’t a young, it’s a people thing.
While there are layered reasons to explain what took place, a lesson learned is how vital it is not only to talk but define terms. Ask one another, “When you say this, what do you mean?” These types of conversations are slow. They require great discipline. As Christians, we often desire microwave fixes—end of the story testimonies. Yet to arrive at a testimony, we need first to pass the test this moment is giving.
It is not a coincidence the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22–24. Whether it is evident in our own hearts or relationships, who doesn’t desire an increase in the fruit of the Spirit everywhere? Well, it’s no coincidence if we desire to see this fruit growing everywhere, we must first crucify our flesh, doing what we may not want to do to see what our hearts long for most. This might look like: Holding our tongue, speaking it tenderly, seeking to understand, resisting the temptation to create sides, even pushing back from a conversation with a promise to return when better composed.
So yes, to heal, we need to talk to, not at one another. For these discussions not to be divisive, they too require self-discipline, a fruit of the Spirit. As we engage, it would be wise for those of us who follow Jesus to remember what is at stake. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35
Regardless of your position on sexuality, pandemic, mandates, convoys, and issues of justice, one thing is true. Due to our failure to love one another as Jesus desired, especially in our deep differences, the world is accurate in critiquing His church. Deep breath. We need healing, a genuine move of the Holy Spirit.
We can have a feel-good faith that is powerless, perhaps even dead, or we can be whom Jesus is praying for us to become. People who affix spiritual maturity to emotional health. Disciples who are resilient against sin. Ones who embrace sacrifice, suffering, holiness, and obedience. Leaders who go first. Are we ready yet? Or do we still need to prophesy preference? Wound one another while calling it progress? But if enough of us say yes to surrender to the Spirit, and if He providentially moves among us, one might even dare call this next season revival.
Share your thoughts. We want to hear from you!
Glenda Paquin
This is so so true, I was struck by so much truth overall yet this specific statement “to arrive at a testimony, we need first to pass the test this moment is giving.” stopped me. How can we be disciples of Christ if we are not able to listen, really listen and give grace during the listening. Being mindful not to take anything in “personally” or through a self filter but just being open to listen to the other person. We don’t have to agree, we don’t even have to respond. I reflect on a teaching my Pete Briscoe about evangelizing made “easy”, just be open to be discover, develop and discern. Discover the person by hearing their story, be open to develop an understanding by communication, clarifying, confirming and finally seek guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, allow the inward spirit to lead and not the flesh. Also reminder in studying The Mind Of Christ, the teacher explains how we are to not react out of instinct which is flawed, by nature sinful and only bent on self preservation but to breath, listen, slow down respond intentionally, take time to write down feelings and thoughts, pray and meditate and then if led, respond. Now in the heat of a discussion you have two options do all of this except writing down feeling and thoughts and instead mentally process these before responding. Makes me thing a lot about Philippian 2:1-11…. thank you Pastor Jason
Lori Boucher
Glenda PaquinSo good Glenda!! Thank you for sharing this!
Lori Boucher
WOW! Thank you for this powerful encouragement today! YES AND AMEN!