Finding A Common Ground

When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings.  1 Cor 9:20-23 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered why you need to be well-read, why you need to understand the systems and groups of the world or why you need to be the best at what you do? Paul gave us the answer in the scripture above. Being all things to all people that we might win them to Christ.

Staying in our little group and being defined in that group can only win members of that group to Christ yet, we have a commission to evangelize the whole world. Our destiny is to preach this gospel to every nation and group in the world. So, we have a duty to try to find common ground with everyone.

You might need to learn about football so you can win over your Premier League loving friends or completing your PhD so you will have the platform to win over those in the Academia. You will learn about the history of other nations, their cultures and lifestyle so you can ‘fit in with them as much as you can’ in order to win them to Christ.

But how do we remain consecrated and separate, you ask? Well, let’s read the verse 22 again in the Message translation “… I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ--but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view…” we do not take on their way of life, we keep our bearings in Christ, our feet firmly rooted in God’s word all the while meeting them at a common ground for the sake of the gospel.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up for my justification, I confess that He is Lord over my life, now and forever. I accept the ministry of the Holy Spirit into my life in Jesus name, Amen!” Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a Bible believing Church to attend that you might know what God has provided for you. (For more Christian articles, kindly visit www.lothshine.blogspot.com, thank you.)

Dealing With Offences

Offence as stated in our earlier article “Don’t Take Offence” is simply a cause or occasion of stumbling or sin, any action or words spoken against your person that could cause you to be displeased or angry. We saw why and how we can live offence free. However, despite our best efforts, sometimes the offence stick, you just know you are offended and justifiably so. The sight of the person and even the thought of the person or the situation gets you angry and you know you must deal with it.

We will be looking at ways of dealing with offences, one or all of the steps below might be what you need to do to be rid of that anger. However, the base line is a readiness and willingness to forgive. First, be sincere with yourself that you are offended and then forgive the offender. Your forgiveness is not based on the weight of the offence or the repentance of the offender; rather it is based on the weight of God’s forgiveness to you. A constant remembrance of how much God forgave us is the reason we forgive others. Col 3:13 “You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others”.

Having forgiven from your heart, pray for the person. Oh, not the prayer of vengeance, fire and brimstone rather a prayer of blessing and increase. Jesus speaking in Luke 6:28 says “Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” Take time out to pray for the person and for yourself for obeying God despite your feelings. Also, consistently confess to yourself that you live free of offence and that you walk in love towards the offender.

Believe the best of the offender, Make excuses for the person. It is just possible that the person did not mean to hurt you or was under enormous pressure. It could also be that the person would have acted differently if he/she had known you more or known your intents. Whatever it is, let your heart rest on the fact that with better understanding things would have been different. 

Do something good to your offender. Buy a gift, render a service, just go out of your way and break the cycle of wrong. Rom 12:21 “Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good”.

Finally, seek clarification with the person after you have dealt with the offense to the end that you might be reconciled. This should be done only if it is necessary and after you have dealt with the offence. Doing it before the offence is gone will more often than not bring more anger and hurt. The peace of God be with you as you live free of offence in Jesus name.