"We can speak in tongues but we can't be nice to people..." ~Doe Jones, Terrell Show June 19, 2021
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV "Love is patient love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Jeremiah 31:3 NIV "The Lord appeared to us in the past saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'"
Through out 2020, throughout the start of 2021, I've noticed that the real colors of people's heart has been revealed. My pastor called the year of 2020 was the year of perfected vision. And it was. The pandemic really showed the true colors of some people. So now everything's coming back to what they call "normal", I guess the fake kindness is going to make a comeback. People can tell the real from the fake contrary to the belief. I personally believe that's really the cause of some the church hopping comes from or why people leave the church. Some of the people that have positions have put on the act of being a God fearing, I love everybody, type person, but in the meetings and social media, the true colors come out. Most people just want to feel loved and if they don't feel it, they're going to leave. What do they tell people in marriages all the time, they tell them if you're not happy in your marriage, get out. In other words, if you don't feel loved, get out. Nobody wants to be in a toxic atmosphere unless they're creating the toxicity. I'm just going to say if we're just going to go back to what what was usual, then what exactly have we learned during this pandemic?
Some people get titles put upon them and expect to be treated with respect. Don't get me wrong, the title deserves respect, but let's be real, some of the people behind the title are mean people. Some of them cover it up with "The Lord is kind." Please stop it. Ok, yes the Lord is kind, but the question is are you kind? Don't get me wrong, being nice can and sometimes does come with a price. Christina Grimme lost her life after being nice to her eventual killer. I understand how that would make people be hesitant to be nice. That kind of stuff causes a distrust of people in general. It has to be difficult to continue to be a Christian, when you see one showing the love of Christ. The mental anguish has to hurt, but I like to imagine that the people that have gone on to be with the Lord would like you to continue to stay on the pathway. Jesus said, "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully." I'm sure Christina lived every day to the fullest the best she could. Her passing and the way she passed hurt a lot of us. Maybe it's a lesson to all of us based off Matthew 5:16, and a song I learned as a child to, "Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise you Father in heaven."
When I worked customer service we were taught that you got to treat every customer equally. You got to be kind even when they are not. And for my attitude, patience, anxiety, call it all what you will...that was the hardest part of the job for me. I'm not saying you have to skip through tulips and smile every day, but at least be respectful to people. I've grown to realize that because one says they're a Christian, doesn't mean they're the nicest people in the world. They're some pot heads that I find more approachable than some "spiritual leaders." Some of the people in church hate homosexuals, they say they don't but calling them names is not the best way to show you love someone. In my experience, some gay people have been good down to earth to people. I can recall one person I didn't quite vibe with not because he was gay he was not a nice person. His character was off to me. If believers learn to treat homosexuals like the human beings they are they might be more open to join your church services. People want to go where they feel welcome. Ever walk in somewhere and you can tell the vibe is off, so you immediately walk out? I'm not saying condoning what they do, but they're some stuff that you may do that's not pleasing either. Matthew 7:5 AMP says, "You hypocrite (play actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Yes we call sin sin, but does that come with bad character? Be nice. The Bible talks about tell the truth in love. Be nice but not naïve. With all this being said, none of us are perfect. Forgive yourself, ask for forgiveness, and be nice.
Mental Health Check: It's a daily grind. Sometimes are better than others. Some nights I spend crying my eyes out. Some nights I can fall asleep fine. I spoke on a Wednesday night openly admitting what I go through on a daily. I've always dreamed about being behind a podium speaking but I never really wanted it to come to pass. If you want to see this message, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z6T0ZrNklg. Keep me in your prayers. I'm trying to protect my mental health on a daily, which is not an easy task when things aren't going the way they should be; or how people tell me they should be going.
Thanks for reading. I hope I didn't make anybody mad. These are just the thoughts from the heart and mind of me. IF you liked what you read and/or if you got something out of it, can I get you to share it via Twitter, FB, or how ever. Don't be afraid to leave a comment. Be nice please. Proverbs 15:1 AMP, "A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger."
Stay Saved,
Daniel Richerson
@DanielRicherson on Twitch
@d_rich864 on Twitter
big_Dusty on SnapChat
RIP Christina Grimme (1994-2016)
