Newsletter Article

February 12, 2017

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Tess A. Morata

 

We live in the midst of a self-centered and egoistic modern society, filled with negativity and the tearing down of others.  How can we withstand this kind of environment and ‘settings’ and still act as Christians? I said ‘settings’ just like in any device, computer or mobile phone in which you set or change the settings any way you want them to be.  Yes, sometimes a device may have an error that needs to be corrected.  But God is the maker of all things and everything He created is good. Yet there are still times we ask, ‘What happened to God’s creation?’  We see most people adapting quickly to the changes, even if they’re not edifying.  Something is wrong with the settings, and we have to reset or change them back for society to be able to work well and effectively. 

 

Today’s Gospel in Matthew 5:23-24 says “Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go, first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering” (NASB).  This has something to do with our relation with others.  Any type of relationship, whether between family members, friends, or people we work with takes a lot of work to maintain and build upon.  Differences must be taken into account – no two people are alike, we have different backgrounds and views in life, etc.  But forget the tearing down of other people!   We must learn to accept each other, especially if there are conflicts.  The Bible tells us to rid ourselves of bitterness and anger and to be kind to one another.  We should ask God for help and forgiveness if we have an uncontrollable temper. Everybody makes mistakes, and we need to broaden our understanding, forgive and release others from guilt.  Our offering to God is in vain if we have something against our brother.  We cannot honor God and please Him if we do not obey His law.  Psalm 119:18 says “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law”.  When we obey God, we can make a difference and can focus on the building up of each other.  Building up one another is vital for growing in our relationship with Christ, and is only effective when done in Love.  When all Christians encourage and help one another, the body of Christ wins.