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I've heard that kindness is a hard
thing to give away - it just keeps coming back! Yet this truth notwithstanding,
common courtesy, like common sense, is not all that common. Most
of us are much more enthusiastic with receiving kindness than with
extending it - especially toward those who disagree with us.
I don't have to agree with you.
I don't have to approve of the things you do, the positions you
hold, or the associations you choose to pursue. But I do have a
divine obligation to be kind.
Where have we gotten the warped
idea that difference in thinking permits discourtesy in speech and
conduct? Such reasoning was certainly not learned from the Lord.
Christ was the walking epitome of
"truth in love." Though he never compromised his convictions,
though he often found himself philosophically and doctrinally at
odds with his critics, he was kind.
Christ never refused to speak to someone he disagreed with. Christ
listened. He always waited to hear the question before giving his
answer. He didn't get into shouting matches with his enemies. He
never started or spread ugly rumors about others, even those who
were actively working him harm. He never attempted to silence his
critics by means of mean-spirited remarks, unfounded accusations,
or demeaning fits of sarcasm.
We would all do well to follow his example.
To be right, doctrinally, is imperative:
to be right in our dealings with others is of equal importance.
Being long on scriptural argument gives no license for being short
on scriptural attitude.
"When
someone wrongs you, do not repay with another wrong. Plan honorable
things among all people. If possible, as far as you are able, live
in peace with all people. Beloved, do not take revenge, but give
way to wrath, for it is written, 'Justice is mine; I will repay,'
says the Lord. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him a drink, because you will heap burning coals upon his head
when you do this. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with
goodness." (Romans 12:17-21, McCord).
May we determine to become more
like Christ, "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
Let's be kind.
July 7th (am)
… Abodom, Eastern Region
This morning Ted will be finishing
up the evangelistic campaign in Abodom.
July 7th (pm)
… Kukurumtumi, Eastern Region
This evening Ted will be speaking
for the Kukurumtumi church. This is Paul & Matilda Addo’s
hometown. After services they will be spending the night with
Paul’s father (95+ years).
July 8th - 9th …
Kpone
Monday-Tuesday, Ted will be working
with bro. Owusu-Ansah in Kpone - a traditional fishing community.
July 10th - 11th
… Haana
Wednesday-Thursday Ted will be
working in a new community near Kpone called Haana.
July 12th - 13th
… Dawhenya
Friday-Sunday (am) Ted will be
helping in an evangelistic campaign with the recently established
church in Dawhenya.
Note: This week
Ted will be working closely with bro. Owusu-Ansah who preaches for
the Kpone church and has helped establish the church in Haana and
Dawhenya. During this time Ted will be staying in the home of Paul
& Matilda Addo in Ashaiman.
Campaign Updates: Ted will be
trying to send back regular updates (and photos if possible) during
the campaign in Ghana. These will be posted on the Ghana web-site
and can be reached by going to either the church’s homepage
or www.ghanamissions.com.
Just click on the Campaign 2002 link (like at the top of this
article) that you will find on either page.
GUEST
SPEAKERS
Over
the next few weeks the following men will be preaching for us while
Ted is in Ghana.
July
7th—Jim Beltz, Kissimmeee
July
14th—Chris Steele, New Port
Richey
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