Surprising (and somewhat troubling) words in the New Testament (part 2)
Last week, I lifted up a couple of the surprising things that Jesus says in the Gospel. When you take time to read the New Testament beyond the Gospel, you will find still more rather shocking things that Paul and others had to say. It’s not at all surprising that many who claim to follow Jesus Christ tend to gloss over or even ignore what the Bible teaches.
For example, Paul writes
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3, New Revised Standard Version, Updated)
and then, a bit farther on in the same chapter, he writes,
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:14-18)
To follow Jesus Christ means that we take on a different sort of life. For example, we are to meet people where they are. We don’t hit back. We go looking for what beautiful in each person we meet. We do all in our power to get along with everybody.
To live this way is a challenge. But maybe, with God’s help, we can strive to make this our way in the world. That’s what New Testament, biblical faith is all about.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steve