From I Cor. 9:22,23, we read Paul's words, "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it for the sake of the Gospel."
Paul writes to the believers he has planted in Corinth of the importance of identifying with all people- where they are, not where one would wish they were. It means to learn to be a friend to someone by being compassionate and understanding--not judging. Out of love, every human needs Jesus to come into his or her life, but the route will be very widely based on who that person is. God calls His servants to reach out inclusively, not excluding anyone.
When we encounter someone toward whom we may not have any natural affinity, we must recognize that God has put that person in our presence for His purpose. We, then must become all things, be an everyman or everywoman, that the message might be heard.
In this day of martyrdom by ISIS followers, we may wonder how far our message for Jesus must go. We have not been called to be martyrs, as ISIS is doing. What we must understand is ISIS followers seem not afraid to die as they believe that they will be in their heaven surrounded by beautiful maidens. Our Bible promises we will be One with Jesus at our death, as in our life, but does not demand we murder those of other faiths. What we must do, perhaps, is trust in our Lord................
NO MATTER WHAT WE ENCOUNTER! And live our lives in such a way that we honor God and love those around us with the hope that everyone we see and know will turn to God and love Him, too!
Lord Jesus, give us your power to reflect you when we encounter others, no matter who they may be.
Jo INMN
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