I’ve been feeling convicted recently about this blog, and what it could become. And what I don’t want it to become.
When the subjects of the blog are people who seem to revel in stirring things up and getting people riled up (regardless of what is motivating them to do this), then it is easy to find ourselves getting comfortably in a permanent defensive posture. Johnny Robertson’s visit this week just underlines how easily that can happen.
I don’t want this blog to be a place that Johnny, Norm and/or James can give to their supporters and say, “Look at how I am being treated! I must be doing something right if they are so upset at me!” Rather, I want it to be a place where the three men would see the love of Christ exhibited.
I would ask my regular commenters to consider the following Scripture passages:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
Now, I am not saying that any of the people who have been posting here about the three TV hosts have been acting improperly. However, I want this to be a place where Jesus’ name is honored, and I think one important way we honor Him is when we act like Him.
So, I invite you all to join me on Sunday, June 1 as I pray for Johnny Robertson, Norm Fields and James Oldfield. Some suggested things we can pray for them:
1. For the well-being of their families
2. For their health
3. For Godly wisdom as they attempt to lead the churches where they teach and preach
4. That Christ would dwell in their (and our) hearts through faith. And that they (and we), “being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that [they] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
Won’t you join me in praying for these men this Sunday?
Thanks,
Nathan
Answering the Church of Christ 