Gospel Shoes of Peace

GOSPEL SHOES OF PEACE

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18

Jesus came as an olive branch, extended from the hand of the Father.  When the world was in turmoil, the spotless Son of God came and took His place, surrounded by slaves shackled in their sin.

He might have come with anger for what was made of His beautiful world, but He came with love.  In compassion and forgiveness, He bent His knee to serve those who would later take His life.

Jesus did not have to agree with our behavior to love us, extend kindness or cry with us when we cry.  He did not view those who would mock, beat and spit upon Him—you and me and every sinner to walk the Earth—as His enemy, but rather as the object of His affection.

His enemy was the devil—d’EVIL—THE EVIL that had entered the world in the garden, and introduced the sin that tore a divide between mankind and the loving arms of God.

Beloved, we are called to follow the example set by Christ.  Whether we agree with one another or not should have no bearing on our love for one another.  We are all broken beggars duped by the same devil to sin.  And like Cain and Abel, we foolishly mistake our brother as the enemy. We don’t have to agree about anything to love and treat each other with kindness and respect.

When we feel an urge to destroy those who hold a difference of opinion, it isn’t proof of our rightness, but rather evidence that some part of us remains under the spell of the same murderous evil that slithered in the garden.

Regardless of who wins the election in the months ahead, which bills pass or fail, let's choose to treat one another with love, humility and mutual respect.  The election process has already shown plenty of poor behavior on both sides of the aisle.  We have forgotten our true enemy.

Father, forgive us for verbally brutalizing our fellow man, and assassinating one another’s character in the name of Christ.

Strengthen us to RIGHTEOUSLY stand for righteousness—to take up our sword and shield and the whole armor of God—stepping forward wearing the gospel shoes of peace. Teach us to do battle on our knees, and to aim our volleys at the powers of darkness and not our neighbor.

Lord, remind us of who and what we are truly fighting, and the necessary weapons of our warfare (2 Cor 10:4-5) to gain the victory.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️
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