March 18, 2014
2 Corinthians 2:15 – For we are unto God a sweet savour (fragrance) of Christ, in them that are saved and in them that perish.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through any other channel.”
It is unfortunate when we repel others by negativity and criticism. This goes for any and every religion simply because we are all IMPERFECT beings, hopefully moving on to perfection.
The saddest thing though is when excuse of hypocrisy seen in others is used as an excuse to stay away from the Lord who loves us and gave His Life for us.
I find it interesting that those who choose to not accept Christ as their Lord and Savior find it so easy to criticize us for being less than perfect.
Remember this if nothing else:
Man, woman, boy or girl, religion, government, knowledge – didn’t die for you so don’t reject Christ due to abuse, hypocrisy and all of the evil in this world you may have experienced. Try the Lord for yourself. God is not the one who caused you harm and hurt so….
PLEASE don’t blame Him for the evil that mankind has done. I am so sorry you had to go through hurt and pain. I beg you, don’t hold it against God. (I could share some of the crap I have gone thru, the hurt, the pain, but through it all, GOD has been faithful). Forgive them, forgive me.
I look at it this way, I gave my life to the Lord when I was 2 months shy of my 19th birthday. I decided then that I would be personally patient with everyone I met at least 19 years in the same way that the Lord was patient with me. My walk since that time has been less than stellar but thank God for 2nd, 3rd, 4th… a million chances. This September 23rd, 2014 will be exactly 34 years and I can say there have been no regrets in my relationship with the Lord. Disappointed often times by the poor choices that I made, or by the hurt caused by others, but never with HIM!
Jesus said we are to forgive each person 7 x 70 = 490 times in a day.
My desire then is to walk humbly before my God and to love his people passionately, patiently – regardless of color or religion or lifestyle.
Leaving a “fragrance of Christ” each step I take, each breath I breathe, each day I live!
And when I stumble, please pray for me as I do the same for you.