Articles
Communicating with the World
God’s people are in His miraculous hands--no matter the political division, civil change, or pandemics in our world. God created a diverse world of many nations, ethnicities, ideas, and beliefs. Jesus died for the sake of all mankind, not just one type of person. Everyone is a precious soul God created. He is hoping that they will adopt Him as He has already adopted them. God grants the strength to adapt to and triumph over the adversities of the world to those who live by faith. It is God’s loving grace by faith that saves. Every day God grants all His beloved children the strength to recognize the power of His saving grace, so long as they are willing to seek Him (James 1:2-6).
Christians are meant to be in the world, not of the world, for the purpose of glorifying God and spreading God’s truth to others. This purpose cannot be achieved if conflict is allowed to break down communication with others, whether it be by words or actions. Adopting Godly love despite conflict is the way to shine God’s light to others (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Take for example the marriage of Emma and Charles Darwin that lasted 43 years. Their marriage stayed strong despite having vastly different views on religion, science, and understandings of this world. Emma Darwin was a Unitarian and Charles Darwin was an Anglican who later became an agnostic. As you communicate with others, think upon this quote by Emma Darwin: “I thank you from my heart for your openness with me and I should dread the feeling that you were concealing your opinions from the fear of giving me pain…my own dear Charlie, we do belong to each other, and I cannot help being open with you.”
For better or worse, Christians are physically tied to this world till death do them part. Emma Darwin was patient and loving with her husband Charles in trying to help him understand God. The God-fearing Christian is likewise supposed to be patient and loving in trying to help this ungodly world understand Him (1 Peter 3:1-5). A key to communication is being willing to openly talk to and listen to someone else. Listening and being open means that you are willing to share beliefs and opinions without becoming a judge or fear of judgment. To be understanding, one must try not to get defensive when it is not needed or warranted. God has the power to change people’s hearts, especially in the time frame that He chooses. Leave it up to Him.
Inspired by: 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, John 17, 1 Peter 3:13-17, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 5:1-5
