Normally I don't read anything political or worldview-ish on facebook, but this title drew me in.
I read,
"My Train Wreck Conversion" by Rosaria Butterfield
After reading, I was overwhelmed with ideas I'd like to share...
1. In the article Rosaria said,
"Oh, I had seen my share of Bible verses on placards at Gay Pride
marches. That Christians who mocked me on Gay Pride Day were happy that I
and everyone I loved were going to hell was clear as blue sky."
We as Christians should act out of love, not the harshness that Rosaria and her friends experienced. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1. Christians, please be careful what you say verbally and through social media. I mean, goodness, be careful how you tip a waitress! Our words make a difference, they leave an impression. This impression could mean the difference in some one's eternity.
2. The way Rosaria felt God's love was for someone to come into her life, accept her, and love her. She said,
"They entered my world. Met my friends..."
If I learned anything through my time as a SummerShiner or in my small groups, it is that God's love is meant to be shared through relationships. After all, it is a relationship that God hungers for.
People actually respond to someone who has invested time with them and
who has established a trusting, loving bond. Conversations about
topics like sexuality, politics, and normal daily chatter must be done
in a loving, humble manner. Hearing Rosaria's point of view
pre-conversion has confirmed this for me.
3.
"I started reading the Bible. I read the way a glutton devours. I read it many times that first year in multiple translations."
"But the Bible got to be bigger inside me than I. It overflowed into my world." - Rosaria
I admire this so much, it makes me want to dig in and cherish the words God inspired for me to read. God displays his power and knowledge by putting these words into motion many years ago, and still, they are meaningful and life changing. They show God's supreme value over anything else.
4. What do we have to lose? Rosaria had her whole life, her worldview, her status.
"I did not want to lose everything that I loved. But the voice of God sang a sanguine love song in the rubble of my world."
What do
I have to lose by growing my relationship with God? My impression of stability, my selfish desires, my own goals and dreams. When we choose to love God and be loved by Him, do not linger on the loss of things left behind. Let me remind you of the things to be expected.
Peace
Love
GRACE
Eternity
Holy Spirit
Trust
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Let's discuss...What are some things you've gained from being in a relationship with God?
They walk through the doors and the walls swell with joy...and noise.
