Yesterday I read a blog post about the “New Atheism”. The main point of the article was that atheists are becoming increasingly militant in their opposition to the gospel. This struck me as odd. To be honest, I didn’t find this new, or surprising. When I read the Bible, it seems there has always been violent opposition to the gospel. Truth has rarely been the popular choice. And yet, the answer remains the same–love. It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.
Just a gentle reminder as you begin your holiday preparations today.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
And now for the Slattery translation:
Love endures long, boring stories retold year after year. Love doesn’t begrudge relatives with recent promotions, nicer cars and better behaved children. Love doesn’t compare pumpkin pie recipes, looking for that accolade. Love doesn’t tell jokes at others expense or laugh when derisive jokes are told. Love maintains self-control even when someone else stole the last drop of gravy. Love stands by their loved ones even when they’re actions make them appear unlovable. Love stands up for one another and refuses to catch a ride on the gossip wheel. Love sees the best in others despite their mistakes and continues to hold on even when it hurts. When everything else fails, love remains.
Of course, love without truth is not really love at all, but truth without love is deadly.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Jennifer,
I love the content of this post! In so few words, it really gets to the crux of what Thanksgiving is all about…I wish you and yours a great one! Thanks for the inspiration.
You too! Blessings. 🙂
Jennifer Slattery http://reflectiosinhindsight.wordpress.com http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com http://www.clashofthetitles.com
from my iPhone
A wonderful post to start my blogging day. Blowhards like Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris act as if they’re doing something radical, something avant-garde, in blathering against religion in general, and Christianity in particular. What keeps me calm through all of this is that Christ will win the day, the year and eternity, while schmucks like these will be forgotten soon after their demise (except, of course, by university professors, who will peddle their wares until Christ comes back).
I am frequently reminded of Paul, who once approved of the murder of Christians and later gave his life for the propagation of the gospel. God’s transforming power will never cease to amaze me. And you are right, throughout the centuries, opposing theories have come and gone, and yet Christianity remains. And for one reason: Jesus Christ is alive, for all eternity. And one day I will humbly bow before Him and see the wounds in His hands and feet–wounds He endured for me. Hmm, now perhaps that is what Thanksgiving is all about.
Wonderful translation, Jen!
Thanks, Angela!