Why Be Astonished?

The Bible takes us beneath the surface of our salvation. Scriptures show us how Jesus dealt with all kinds of people and situations. We are to do the same. Through Scripture, God's Son can reveal to you the things you need to know. And Holy Spirit speaks within your heart.

Have you recently been put down, talked about despairingly, or dissed? On the surface this is offensive and you may have initially been hurt by someone else's actions or words. Perhaps your central question becomes: How do I act in love toward this gossipper, offender, or rude/hateful person or persons?

Do not be astonished that this has happened to you-- a Christian. You are a faith filled believer in Jesus Christ and you will encounter folks who are 'thinking and acting worldly' and may be offensive to you. This is the time to stand firm in your faith and do as Jesus does in similar situations.

Open any of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and read/study about how Jesus responds to folks. He is showing us how. You'll find that first He is in tune with the Holy Spirit. Secondly, Holy Spirit leads him to either speak, pray for them, or walk away. And sometimes it is all three.

Learn from your loving Jesus. Holy Spirit will direct you. Yes, sometimes others behave badly. Live faithful and obedient to Christ Jesus.

For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be astonished, brothers and sisters, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. 1 John 3:11-14