I have not been very vocal about all the Covid issues and debates taking place. I figure not many people likely care all that much what I think anyway. But I have been consistent in reminding my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ that whether we agree with the restrictions and mandates or resist them with great passion, we must remember that our first calling is to love others. I like that now, the majority of Canadians are speaking out against the government’s overreach in the situation. We are seeing a strong move towards freedom and the restrictions being lifted.
Without question, this is due to those who stood for Canada’s freedom in the Freedom Rally 2020, the truckers and many others who stepped up to make known that we as Canadians value freedom. I believe that some actions were taken by the government that circumvented the proper governing systems put into place and agreed on in how the Canadian government governs the people and puts into effect laws and mandates.
As followers of Jesus Christ, I want to encourage us as we again move towards change, more to the reopening, that we with firm focus on Jesus Christ remember that our first calling is to show love, kindness, gentleness be gracious with those around us. As those who had fought against all the regulations when the majority was against you, you know how it feels to be looked down on and have your thoughts and perspective rejected by most. You know how it felt to have the government, and most people have one way of thinking while you have another. But now that restrictions are being removed don’t forget about those still on the other side of this debate. Don’t forget about those who feel that we should still be in lockdown, or should still have the restrictions, and who feel like those restrictions are keeping them safe, even keeping them alive. Don’t just call them fools. Don’t just treat them like many of them treated you. Remember, if you carry the name of Jesus and live your life for Him, then your chief focus is to live out the love of Jesus Christ to all around you.
I share this after talking to a good friend of mine after a Sunday service lately. I am preaching on how to handle conflict biblically. I am focusing on the truth that knowing and living for Jesus changes everything and that we should no longer fall into the patterns of this world. My friend came up and thanked me for my message. Not that it was such a great message, I’m sure, but more for the topic, we were discussing. He shared that he gets so angry when seeing all the rallying against the mandates and restrictions. And I know that is likely not how most of you think, but note that many live in fear because of Covid and its devastating effects on those who have auto-immunity insufficiencies. To this older friend of mine, who is married to an amazing cancer survivor, the restrictions were several more layers of protection to keep this incredible woman, that is his best friend and dearest love, in His life. For him, the restrictions are welcomed, and God sent. They have helped him spend more life with the one he has shared most of his life with.
I don’t see in him evil intent or misguided understanding. I don’t even see a lack of trusting God because I know that if you or I were in a similar situation and the love of our lives were in danger, we would desire their safety just as much. Even if it meant giving up some of our own personal freedoms. That is what true love does. That is what Jesus did for us; He gave up all his freedom by giving up all his life and dying on the cross for our sin.
Remember, people’s choices, actions and words are driven by much deeper values and beliefs than often explained or even fully understood. What I am saying is this, remember that people are… people. Each one is valued and treasured by God, created in His image. Each one He desires to know and call His child. That is why God sent Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. Because God so loved people, each and every person. God loves and desires to have a relationship with every one of us through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son. So in our freedom, let us make sure that we show love and grace, remembering others, submitting to others, caring for others and considering others in the love of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:13-15
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other.
I thank those standing up and fighting for freedom, and to those of you who are followers of Jesus Christ, remember, fight first and foremost with love. If we win our point but lose souls to hell, we lose everything that is eternally important.
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