Adapted from Everyday in His Presence by Charles F Stanley.
In His presence, receive His love and extend it to others.
Bible Verse: For you are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you that have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28
The people of Samoa identify themselves as Christian. God is our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. Families acknowledge God’s sovereignty over their homes through morning and evening prayers. Villages across Samoa impose curfews for the evening faigalotu, and the nation of Samoa is founded on God.
Paul wrote to the believers of Galatia and reminded them that as Christians, they are all one in Christ. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
If Paul were to write to the people of Samoa today, he may have said to us: There is neither overseas-born or local, there is neither urban or rural, there is neither rich or poor, there is neither private or public sector, there is neither FAST or HRPP: for you are all one in Christ…
God calls us to be ambassadors of His love to ALL people even if they are different from us.
We may live in different countries, or have different upbringings, or even back different parties in the upcoming elections; but the Bible tells us that we are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. The Word of God tells us to not judge, or criticize others; and to not hate them or wish that bad things upon them.
The Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:10 While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Many Samoans on social media today have created divisions amongst themselves. It seems that whenever an issue arises, two sides rise up and set divisions that results in attacks of (often horrible) words in a battle of US against THEM.
The social media platform is being used to publicly judge, openly ridicule, criticize and use horrible language towards fellow Samoans. And then, on the very next public post, with the same keyboard, and from the same fingers, we write messages of prayers and praises to God.
Let us stand together to remove divisions that have emerged amongst us. Before hitting the “send” or “post” button this week, let us ask ourselves, “Would these words represent the love of God and the grace that He wants me to show others?”.
Prayer: Father, thank you that your love knows no boundaries. Help me to be an ambassador of your love to those all around me today. Amene.
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