Bishop's Corner

As you prepare for the holiday season, make the decision to let go of some things.  It is time to get rid of offenses in your life.  There is no time to be upset with people because of how they treat you, betray you, neglect or disappoint you.  Even those who consider you an enemy – let it go.  It is time to grow up.  It is time for Christians to mature in the Lord.  God needs strong people with strong faith; people mature enough to keep serving and trusting Him in the face of adversity.  He needs strong people of faith who will continue to fight the good fight of faith.

Paul himself said, "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  (Ephesians 6:10-12) Paul understood that our battles are never against people, but they are spiritual; and our weapons are not carnal ones.  Never walk in hatred or judge others, especially because of their appearances.  Never look down on those with body piercings or tattoos; or those with purple or pink hair; they are people just like you and me.  In fact, God so loved the world (the entire world) that He sent Jesus to give us all abundant life.  People across the world are looking for help, and the church needs mature individuals who can be there for them and lead them in the right direction; godly individuals full of the wisdom of God, who people can trust.

The Body of Christ must be mature and strong enough to take stuff.  Don't be so quick to get offended.  Don't let what people say to you or about you deter you from your call, and cause you to sit on your gifts.  How can you teach the younger to walk in forgiveness when you yourself won't forgive?  More than anything, people need to see Christians living godly lifestyles.  When you show maturity, strength and wisdom, they trust your counsel and are encouraged to keep going.  Even in the midst of storms they know everything will be okay because they know you trust in Your God.  You don't have to get angry all the time about what folks are doing; just continue to honor and live for Christ.  Most importantly, continue to walk in love and forgiveness.

Love your enemy.  When you walk in love, forgiveness and obedience you are being strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10).  Love the unlovable and forgive everyone.  Judge not, and treat people how God would want you to.  Always be loving and compassionate towards others.  Sometimes people can cause you to want to say, "I'm done."  But be strong and trust in your God.  Sometimes God tests us to see what we are made of.  But when all is said and done, we must be able to stand amidst our storms.  The Bible says, "°and having done all to stand, stand therefore."  The battle is not yours anyway.  Stay strong and keep the faith.  In fact, praise God while you are going through.  He said, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Learn to fight your battles on your knees in prayer. That's where the battles are won.  Let go of offenses.  Shake it off; quickly.  There is light at the end of your tunnel.

It is time to get rid of offenses in your life.  There is no time to be upset with people because of how they treated you, betrayed you, neglected or disappointed you.  Even those who consider you an enemy – let it go.  It is time to grow up.  It is time for Christians to mature in the Lord.  God needs strong people with strong faith; people mature enough to keep serving and trusting Him in the face of adversity.  He needs strong people of faith to take it like Paul took it in Acts 14:19-21 when he was stoned and left for dead.  When he got up, he returned and continued to fight the good fight of faith.

Paul himself said, "Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  (Ephesians 6:10-12) Paul understood that our battles are never against people, but they are spiritual; and our weapons are not carnal ones.  Never walk in hatred or judge others, especially because of their appearances.  Never look down on those with body piercings or tattoos; or those with purple or pink hair; they are people just like you and me.  In fact, God so loved the world (the entire world) that He sent Jesus to give us all abundant life.  People across the world are looking for help, and the church needs mature individuals who can be there for them and lead them in the right direction; godly individuals full of the wisdom of God, who people can trust. 

The Body of Christ must be mature and strong enough to take stuff.  Don't be so quick to get offended.  Don't let what people say to you or about you deter you from your call, and cause you to sit on your gifts.  How can you teach the younger to walk in forgiveness when you yourself won't forgive?  More than anything, people need to see Christians living godly lifestyles.  When you show maturity, strength and wisdom, they trust your counsel and are encouraged to keep going.  Even in the midst of storms they know everything will be okay because they know you trust in Your God.  You don't have to get angry all the time about what folks are doing; just continue to honor and live for Christ.  Most importantly, continue to walk in love and forgiveness. 

Love your enemy.  When you walk in love, forgiveness and obedience you are being strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10).  Love the unlovable and forgive everyone.  Judge not, and treat people how God would want you to.  Always be loving and compassionate towards others.  Sometimes people can cause you to want to say, "I'm done."  But be strong and trust in your God.  Sometimes God tests us to see what we are made of.  But when all is said and done, we must be able to stand amidst our storms.  The Bible says, "…and having done all to stand, stand therefore."  The battle is not yours anyway.  Stay strong and keep the faith.  In fact, praise God while you are going through.  He said, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Learn to fight your battles on your knees in prayer. That's where the battles are won.  Let go of offenses.  Shake it off; quickly.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.