Since the late 1980s we’ve been bombarded with the term ‘political correctness’, which has been attached to almost every type of issue, and human behaviour. It’s a concept which, though successful in some areas, could only promote peace and harmony in others if it worked both ways. So just how effective is it? Since Cain killed his brother, humanity has needed help to live in peace. The commands of Yahweh’s Law are full of directions for harmonious living, while the apostolic letters of the New Testament highlight it emphatically. The apostle Paul puts it very simply. “Accept one another”, he begs, “just as [Yahshua] also accepted you…” (Romans 15:7).
I pondered this advice, marvelling at its simplicity, but awed by the extent of its impact. When I was training for the ministry, my mother passed on some of her hard-earned wisdom. “Where you have people,” she said, “you will have problems!” How true this is! I realised that while salvation removes our sin, we each must overcome the weaknesses in our own nature. For our congregations to live together in unity and love demands commitment from every member. “Of course I can accept him/her…” I’ve heard many times. “Just don’t ask me to…” And then follows the problem! Sit with/talk to/work with/listen to…
I know how it feels to be guilty of this attitude; it disrupts my harmony and peace. I also know how it feels to be misunderstood, misrepresented or ignored. It hurts, and disrupts my harmony and peace. When I’m at fault I need to put things right, firstly in my own heart and then with my brother or sister. If I’m being criticised, I must do my best to find out why and put things right – if I’m allowed to (Romans 12:18). The standard of acceptance is ‘as Yahshua accepted me.’
“[Yahshua] did not receive us because we were perfect,” writes Charles Spurgeon, “or because he could see no fault in us or because he hoped to gain something from us…He covered our faults and sought our good. He welcomed us into a relationship with him. So, in the same way…we as Christians must receive one another.”
Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/illustrations/quarrel-conflict-dispute-a-pair-9652575/
The Test Of LoveWe look at our lives through a spiritual lens now, as we see how our actions as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, friends and coaches, workers and employers relate to [Yahweh's] will.
Timothy Peck
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