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Loving by Leaving Rather than Staying (Prov 25:17)
As Christians, we always are trying to get better at loving other people. To love one another is, according to Christ, the tell tale sign of being a believer (John 13:35). In contrast to viewing love as a mere feeling, Christians understand there is a deeper definition of love (1 Cor 13:4-7). Love meets the needs of others. Love exalts others. Love seeks the betterment of others. Through everything, biblical love is the supreme element in healthy, God-honoring relationships. As I was reading through Proverbs the other day, I was struck by one of the practical ways to show love. “Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.” Prov 25:17 One’s home has always been viewed as a sanctuary, a place of security and comfort. To invade that security and comfort too often can cause a stress on any…
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Where Does Conflict in Relationships Come From?
Relationships always involve sinners. Since sinners sin, conflict is inevitable in all relationships and we need to deal with it. Because of the ubiquitous nature of conflict, we also need to understand it. One of the most pertinent passages to know with regard to conflict is James 4:1-3. James 4:1-3 addresses the source of conflict in relationships. 1. Conflict comes from within (James 4:1a) The first point worth noting is that conflict arises from within—from the heart! Understanding a biblical theology of the heart helps solidify this point. The concept of heart in biblical language is the decision-making, control center of life. It is more akin to the way we think of making up our mind. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Likewise, Jesus states, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false…
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What is Racism According to the Bible?
Accusations of racism and racist behavior are commonplace in the news today. Many view racism as on the rise in America. Poll data from Gallup indicates that at least some Americans view race relations between whites and blacks at a current low point over a 20 year span. Because racism is a subject prevalent in the public eye, we need to discuss what racism actually is (biblically speaking), and how Christians should think about it. First, let’s talk about how the culture defines racism. According to Merrian-Webster, racism is defined as follows: 1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 2a: a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles 2b: a political or social system founded on racism 3: racial prejudice or discrimination…