Posts Tagged ‘ Carry your cross ’
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1, ESV
It is not enough to call yourself Christian. If you are not seeking Christ and His Kingdom (and sharing the truth of the Gospel) you are in danger of showing you are not a Christian.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27, ESV
Religion is not inherently bad.
Neglecting loving our neighbors, especially the least of these, is.
One simple rule in two parts: Love God by loving others.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
Luke 9:23-24, ESV
If we strive for our best life now, it means it only gets worse after we die (i.e. Hell).
Jesus calls us to be servants, yes, possibly even doormats if that is what it takes to show the love, grace, and mercy of God to this world.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13, ESV
This life is not about us.
We have been freed to choose to glorify God and love others or remain focused on our own wants and desires.
This life is not about us.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32, ESV
Remember: rarely do others attack us, rather they are attacking Christ. He can defend Himself.
Show the love, kindness, and grace to others (even in church) that He has shown through Christ.
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44, ESV
When we pray for and do good works toward those who mistreat us, we either heap coals on their heads for the final judgment or lead them to saving knowledge in Jesus Christ.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart
Psalm 119:2, ESV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24, ESV
Do not think you life will not change following Christ. We are expected to conform to His image and live lives of sacrifice.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
John 13:14, ESV
Love your neighbor, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ, by serving them, as Christ has done.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
James 1:19, ESV
We must remember to stay calm and listen to others, even if we disagree. Just as God has been patient with us, we should be patient with our fellow sinful humans, remembering they are made in God’s image and may not be aware of what they are doing.
