Be Comforters

Throughout history we’ve seen people who identify as Christians rallying together around their common hate towards a specific group of people. We’ve seen Christians define “other” groups of people in order to create division. We’ve routinely seen an “us” versus “them” mentality with Christians versus non-Christians. Christians have identified more with what they don’t do, who they aren’t, what they disagree with, or what group they aren’t a part of. They’ve been known more for what they are against than what they are for. This isn’t all Christians, but historically, we can point to cases where this is clearly displayed.  It is in our fallen, sinful nature that causes us to default to this kind of behavior. Rather than identifying with Christ, who he is, and who he made us to be, our identity becomes more about the world around us. We may believe that rallying around common hate towards an opinion, ideology, people group, or belief would bring unity, but hate can never bring unity. Christ is the only one who can bring true unity. While the enemy would try everything in his power to divide us, Christ unites us under one identity in him. He gifted us this new identity through his death on the cross on behalf of our brokenness. Now, the only way to achieve the unity that he calls us to is to give that same kind of sacrificial love to others. The minute we look at other groups of people with disgust is the minute we have forgotten how Christ could have done the same with us. We cannot comprehend the measure in which we have been forgiven. When we do start to comprehend, we will love sacrificially and welcome all kinds of people into unity under Christ. Reflection/Discussion Question: What groups of people or beliefs do you tend to take on an “us” versus “them” mentality?

When you’re having a face-to-face conversation with someone and they get on their phone, do you stop what you are saying or do you keep talking? When you’re on your phone and someone talks to you, do you stop them until you are done, or do you let them keep going? It’s fascinating what we put up with as a culture, now that phones have become a third appendage. We have become a society of bad listeners. Not only are we bad at listening, we don’t often expect others to listen to us, either. Rather than following the lead of the rest of the world, this is an opportunity for followers of Christ to look vastly different. Good listeners make eye contact with whomever is talking. They ask good questions that inevitably lead to other questions. A good listener aims to seek understanding and doesn’t assume anything. It may seem obvious or elementary to talk about good listeners in this way, but if we take an honest look at ourselves, we may find that we are far from this description. Ask the people in your life if you are a good listener. Ask them if you are a question-asker. Tell them to be honest with you. We may find that the more someone is in our lives, the less we take the time to truly listen to them. You may be a fantastic listener to your clients at work, but a terrible listener to your kids at home.  When we resolve to be an active listener, we can learn the root behind someone else’s hurt. We can understand someone deeper than we ever have. We can help someone who is in need. We can disarm someone who wants to argue. We can see someone who is lost. We can know how to be praying for someone. When we are quick to listen, God can use us to grow his Kingdom.  God speaks in a whisper. We have to seek the voice of the Holy Spirit. If we are not willing to stop and listen for how God is moving in any moment, we will miss how he wants to use us to grow his Kingdom. If our mission is to bring the reign and rule of Jesus into the hearts of all people around us, then the first step will be learning to be active listeners of God’s Word and of others. Reflection/Discussion Question: How can you work on being a better listener?