The other day as I was going into a store, I put on my mask before entering. Now I must say that my mask is very much disliked by certain people. I don’t wear it to get anyone upset but to excercise my freedom of speech. Sadly, someone is offended by us no matter what we do. So it’s motive is not to cause anyone offense but they still do. Anyway, there was a couple there and I politely stepped to the side so they could get their cart ahead of me. I heard the gentlemen grunt in distaste and move on. I probably wouldn’t have had a second thought about it but twice more in the store the same man when coming near me looked at me and again I heard him passively show his hatred.

I am not and was not upset with him but it did cause me to notice. We in the United States are suffering from a disease within our people. We are in need of a healing. I love studying history and apart from the civil war, I don’t think we have ever been more polarized and galvanized in the way we look at things. Very few people can be convinced to change their minds. It’s in politics, races, many parts of our society, and yes, even churches. They think they are right and everyone else is wrong. I understand having opinions but to go as far as been offended is unscriptural. If it digs into your heart and takes your focus away from God and His absolute authority over ALL things, then that becomes sin.

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; James 1:19

A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

I’m not saying we always have to agree but when we allow these things to infect us and remain, the infection runs through the body and causes illness and even death. When we come together for communion, Paul said that the reason why people are sick is because they don’t discern the Lord’s body. A few months ago the Lord spoke to me and told me that I was infected. There are many levels to this and it wasn’t just about me but a warning to the body of Christ. But how do we get this infection out of our body?

I’m convinced that this nation needs a revival. The world needs a revival. Not a series of meetings but a heart-to-heart, one-on-one, God given revival in the hearts of His saints that draws the sinners home. We need a blood transfusion. We need to get past what we think is right in our own eyes and get to the matter of God’s heart for the world. Friends, the banner of Jesus is love. Judgement is reserved for God and Him alone. Not that we have to be pushovers, but when we really think about it, what really matters? I am very frustrated about things that are happening lately but the bottom line is that people need to experience Jesus. I can’t let them experience the Savior if I hate them. The two cannot co-exist. And speaking of co-existing, I need to make something very clear. While I love people and abhor violence against others because of race or religion or whatever, God does not co-exist with other gods. Jesus is THE Way, Truth, and the Life!! However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t love a Muslim or a gay person or a Democrat or Republican.

I stand united with God in that He loved the world enough to send His Son because we were all sinners. The law couldn’t save us and neither will our opinions. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 In the end, what remains? Love. I stand united under the blood of Jesus Christ. I am in agreement with His agenda, not mine. My goal is to walk and speak what I hear Father speak. Are you united with me???