A Christian in Crisis

Resentment runs through my veins when I look at the works of my hands, wondering if I have done enough for the cause of Christ. And I find myself looking through little windows of time that have opened to opportunities for me to share the gospel. But then I also look out of windows to the world only to see those who do not have a relationship with Christ doing a better job than me of reflecting Christ. So when I call myself a Christian, I kind of feel like my words fall flat. Because I can lift up my hands to praise God, but do I lend a hand to love like God, who gave his own son as a ransom for me? I might be a Christian in crisis because I carry the gospel close to my heart, but what have I done to carry it to the nations?

Shouldn't His love move me to do more? Or have I been too afraid of getting my hands dirty?

"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the LORD.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads."

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."
-Romans 12:9-21