What do people say about you? (or your church?)

The month of June has been a difficult month for humankind everywhere. From raids, to floods, to fighting, to even massacres.

In the wake of the Pulse shooting in Orlando, killing almost 50 people, the church has had a difficult time responding to the act of terrorism. Some churches would say "They had it coming," while other's opened their doors to give blood the day of the shooting.

Even Chick-fil-a surprised the masses by finally being open on a Sunday to donate food.

In our home town, we had a special commemorative Pride Fest in tribute to the people that died that day, but also to celebrate LOVE in general.

One of my friends was doing the catering for the event. Many people responded to her photos of the event with words like, "A wonderful day of celebration with caring, beautiful people."

When I read those words, it made me stop and think.

Do people say that when they enter our church?

Do they say those things when they enter my house?

Do they say those things when they work with me?

Is their first impression the LOVE of God in my life?

John 13:35 says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

It's a shame that other groups of people are known for their acceptance and LOVE than we- the followers of the ultimate source of all LOVE and life!

The animal kingdom is full of creatures that attract or repel others. For example: the peacock. Most male birds are more attractive and colorful than their female counterparts. They raise their feathers to attract a female to mate with.

When a peacock does raise it's feathers- it's the most beautiful site to see. Everyone stops and looks to take a picture with their camera. His expression to find LOVE is attractive to everyone around him.

How are people attracted to us? Matthew 5:13-16 says that we are the "Salt and light of the world." We should be the most flavorful, the most LIT, the most tasteful people on the planet. But, we are sometimes known to be the more lifeless.

We have to have LOVE as the core of everything we do. If we are saying words that belittle others and putting down different groups of people, then obviously we are more interested in hearing ourselves talk than reaching the people that Jesus loved.

The bible says in 1 John 4:20: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

What do people say about you? (or your church?)

Christal

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