Opinions...

We all have them and sometimes they are best kept to ourselves.  There are times however, when we need to speak up.  Even in these times, we must speak in love…always in love.

Let me say this…I've pretty much stopped watching the national news.  I also skip most of what is currently being written on Facebook.  It grieves me to see people fighting and at odds with each other.  A lot of what is being said doesn't make sense.  It's inflammatory.

Today is Blue and White Day in our great state of South Carolina.  In the spirit of love I offer you this…

First of all, I won't weigh in on my opinion on the Confederate Flag.  My opinions (as well as yours) have been shaped by the culture I live in, my family, my education, etc. and so I have a certain bias.  No matter what I say about the flag, it's biased and it's been filtered through the personal  sifter that is uniquely Jane.  What I will weigh in on is how people are supposed to treat one another…particularly people who claim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. 

As followers of Christ, we are called upon to love, forgive and yes, overlook.  Don't take my word for it…

I Corinthians 10:23-32

23 There’s a slogan often quoted on matters like this: “All things are permitted.” Yes, but not all things are beneficial. “All things are permitted,” they say. Yes, but not all things build up and strengthen others in the body. 24 We should stop looking out for our own interests and instead focus on the people living and breathing around us. 25 Feel free to eat any meat sold in the market without your conscience raising questions about scruples 26 because “the earth and all that’s upon it belong to the Lord.”d]'>[d]

27 So if some unbelievers invite you to dinner and you want to go, feel free to eat whatever they offer you without raising questions about conscience. 28-29 But if someone says, “This is meat from the temple altar, a sacrifice to god so-and-so,” then do not eat it. Not so much because of your own conscience [because the earth and everything on it belongs to the Lord],e]'>[e] but out of consideration for the conscience of the other fellow who told you about it. So you ask, “Why should I give up my freedom to accommodate the scruples of another?” 30 or, “If I am eating with gratitude to God, why am I insulted for eating food that I have properly given thanks for?” These are good questions.

31 Whatever you do—whether you eat or drink or not—do it all to the glory of God! 32 Do not offend Jews or Greeks or any part of the church of God for that matter. 33 Consider my example: I strive to please all people in all my actions and words—but don’t think I am in this for myself—their rescued souls are the only profit.

As I read the words of Paul, the instructions of Jesus are clear.  I am to give up my rights, my freedoms, my preferences for the sake of others.  This is exactly what Jesus did on the cross.  It's the core of being a Christian.  Put others first in all things.

Enough said.  I hope and pray Blue and White Day accomplishes the purpose for which is was intended.  God bless you all.

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