I heard a short story recently;
One man speaks to another man on the street and says; "see that man over there?" The other man says "yes", and the first man says; "I don't like him." The second man asks him why he does not like that man over there, The answer of the first man is; "I don't like him because I don't know him."
This is subtly common in our culture today when there is no love, respect or hospitality for strangers.
Hebrews 12:1-2 "1 Continue in brotherly love. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
Every person we meet and everywhere we go is a person to be loved and respected. There are some evil people we ought to avoid, but in everyday life, we can speak words of kindness everywhere we go as we allow Christ to work in us, He shines.
Fear of man will prevent us from boldly embracing others in love. The fear of man will cause sheepish hiding and self-protection.
When we love Christ we love others. When we love Christ we overflow with kindness, helpfulness and joy at the presence of another human being, someone who might become born-again just by time spent with them.
Our life is rich and full when we have no fear of rejection or appearances. Pretense will destroy all joy and effectiveness for Christ.
Racism happens because those who are racist are fearful of someone or something they know nothing about. Fear is what drives people to be cliquish, superior acting and downright rude.
May the Lord give us the joy, peace, and gentleness necessary to be evangelists for Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit of one Who possesses the Holy Spirit of God looks like the following:
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
