Love or Noise?

Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal. I Corinthians 13:1

On one end of my deck I have a small ceramic wind-chime. It looks so innocent and has a hollow little sound. On the other side of the deck hangs my big red barn bird-feeder. My kitchen window gives a close-up view of the bird-feeder. I love watching the cardinals and titmice and other birds that come to enjoy the sunflower seeds. Today there was a tiny back-capped chickadee. But the wind was calm.

As long as the wind is still the birds flock to my feeder. The slightest breeze brings the tinkling of the wind-chime. The stronger the wind, the louder the clanging. The more the noise, the fewer birds come to the feeder.

Though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels..... Does Bible thumping really work? Is an attitude of "sic 'um" effective? Or do calm, thoughtful words make a bigger impact? What is charity anyway? Isn't it love in action? Feeding the birds is a form of love in action. They are fed and I get to enjoy their antics. I don't have to impress them with all my knowledge of birds or songs. They know about songs. They're birds. If I want to draw them within sight, all I have to do is feed them.

We want to feed people with the word of God but our attitudes sometimes causes a banging and clanging that drives people away. It's the still quiet warm spirit that draws people to Christ. We want to see people come to the saving knowledge of Christ, but do we need to condemn what they believe or do we need to simply demonstrate the love of Christ in our lives so they will want to know the truth.

We may speak the truth, but we need to make sure it's falling on open ears. We can show people Jesus without telling them how wrong their beliefs are. Arguing gets us nowhere. Unexpected loving actions will make a much longer lasting impression.

When our lights shine before men that they see our good works, then God will get all the glory. Now is probably the easiest and hardest time to begin. It's Christmas, the giving season. We might easily get in the habit of a giving spirit if we begin to practice it now and not let ourselves get stressed out over all the presents and parties that need to be attended.

Hey Kids:
You can give the unexpected too.
Does your room need cleaning?
Is there a kid at school who needs a friend?
Does someone need you to share your lunch with them?
Does little brother or sister need someone to play with?
All of those situations give a chance for conversation - conversation about how Jesus has changed your life.

Will we be doers of the word and not hearers only? 

How can  we show others Jesus this Christmas season?

Blessings,

Gail