Cultivating Relationships
A Spiritual Cup of Coffee Video Series
By: Mandy B. Anderson
How do you treat people who have different faith, or even weaker faith, than you do? Last week on Social Media I asked this question, and many of you responded with the following…
- Listen
- Treat them with respect and kindness
- Lift them up
- Encourage them
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who had a different opinion than you did? We could probably both agree that we appreciate the person much more if we are able to treat each other with respect and honor each others’ convictions, right. Makes sense, you reap what you sow…so in that case respect would reap respect.
But what does God have to say about this, and how does it help us live beyond our circumstances?
According to Romans 14:1, “we are to accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” I highly suggest reading the Message version of this verse to understand this even more.
So often in my life, I have found myself in a position of wondering how to handle someone who doesn’t have the same faith as I. Have you ever wondered this?
What I’ve come to discover, is that it is not up to me to make someone have stronger faith. Nope, it’s not. And guess what? According to the Bible, it’s not up to you either. God is working in the lives of other people even when their faith differs from ours. He is God Almighty, and he doesn’t need us to meddle or manipulate someone else to our way of thinking! Accepting others as they are opens the door to so many things. It is the key to cultivating relationships; those relationships often strengthen and encourage us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. It helps us stay away from dangerous criticism that keeps us in bondage and it helps us learn how to love those with weaker faith.
So…who in your life do you need to offer some acceptance, love and grace to this week? Practice accepting them even when you have differing faith, and see what God does. He is working in their lives even if it doesn’t seem like it.
Leave a comment below and share with us how this has had an impact on you today; then remember to share this with a friend. You never know who might need this encouragement!
Until next time…be blessed, be healthy, and be inspired!
- Mandy
Mandy B. Anderson dreamed of becoming a professional singer, despite being born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease that severely limited the very breath she needed to sing. Overcoming statistics of an early death, a fire that destroyed her and her husband’s home, and the limits of her own mind, Mandy has become a sought after inspirational speaker, coach, author and singer who has written and produced multiple songs. She currently lives in North Dakota with her husband, Nate and their dog, Ajah.
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A dear friend says it like this; "I do the lovin', God does the changin'.
That is an awesome saying – thanks for sharing Lizabet!
Thanks Mandy! I really appreciated this encouraging, timely message. I have to admit, it stung a bit and I was a bit convicted but this is an area I've been struggling in. Very helpful, thank you!
This one stung me too, Elise! *wink*