Dear Ones,
Hope you had a good weekend! We had beautiful weather for walking the trail and a bear was also sited on Saturday. Emoji Yesterday we were surprised by good friends from our former church that showed up for our service. Wonderful to catch up with all of them.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We know that as Christ followers we are not to be judgmental, but open and welcoming with others. We may find it hard to do when we have an opposing view on things that we consider very important, or are defensive and even offensive. How do we handle that?
Elizabeth Oldfield has much to say in her book Fully Alive about our turbulent world, where many are polarized and not open to connect with others who may think or feel differently than they do about life, issues, etc. But as Christians, we are to engage others and be a light, not just sticking only with other believers, but shine His love on all. How do we do that, especially if we are poles apart on how we view life, our political views and especially matters of faith? Oldfield gives some good pointers as she has conversations and dinner parties with those like and unlike her. It is good for us as well to not ignore others that are unlike us, but to learn how to engage them.
Instead of just spilling our views all over others, it is good to ask people what is important to them. How did they come to believe what they believe? We need to hear their stories, listening with respect and curiosity, not defensiveness and rebuttal. When they know we care, they may open up and even ask us in return how we arrived at some of our views. As we give them our attention, it is good to ask the Lord to help us tolerate our differences, help us see the person underneath and understand what might have led them to their conclusions. Some who have a strong aversion to the church may have been hurt deeply and need healing.

Jesus was criticized for gathering with others that were not like him: tax collectors, Samaritans, poor, unclean, etc. But he ignored the invisible lines and treated them with love. We are to also love even our enemies and pray for them; all need the Lord and are lost without Him. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Let us reach out to others, even those markedly different than us.

Challenge for today: Don’t judge those who are different than you but be open, welcoming and listen to them with Christ’s love.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy