If the fruits of the Spirit are present – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control – then two followers of Christ can have different political views and still be in community together.
Culture
Representation Matters
Today, September 15th, begins the observation of Hispanic Heritage Month. This time period is meant for recognition, education and celebration in hopes of honoring Hispanic Americans and their respective cultures and histories.
The Act of Remembrance
My memory of September 11, 2001 is vivid. I was in third grade. My morning began as it always did and that day happened to be music class which meant we had a long trek from the third grade hallway in the back of the school to the music room at the front. I noticed my teacher looking distressed as she exchanged whispers with other teachers, talking about what they saw on the news. News traveled fast that morning.
What Do Rivalry and Fear Have To Do With One Another?
Rivalry is defined as “competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.” I’ve crisscrossed the globe and in every country, city and culture I’ve seen, there is rivalry. Where people are, rivalry is too. But why? Where does rivalry come from?
Welcome Others: Take A Chance on Someone New
Shortly after my first year of college started, I had a group of about 15 friends that hung out together every waking minute. We were inseparable and moved as a pack. We were all very different in belief and story, yet we didn’t care. The disappointing part was that as we began to ask life’s questions and learn who we are, we let the things that made us unique separate us from the community that we had created.
Welcome Others: The Responsibility of Sons and Daughters
We all have positions that we hold. In fact, most, if not all of us, are managing multiple positions, sometimes at the same time. You may have a position at work as a boss or employee, or both. You may have a position at home as a parent. If you serve at a church, you may hold a position as a volunteer. These positions are important because with them comes responsibility, and impacts the people around you.
Welcome Others: Seeing People As Sons and Daughters
Can you remember a time you felt important? It feels good doesn’t it? We all long for that feeling and feel such comfort when we experience it. We all have different aspirations, desires, plans, likes, and dislikes, but it seems that regardless of our differences, we all share a universal desire to feel and be valued.
Welcome Others: So You’re New to Nashville?
Hospitality in your city… but what if it doesn’t feel like your city?
Welcome Others: Doing Business Christianly
I’ll never forget one conversation I had with a brother from Canada. As we were discussing how the Gospel affects us personally and culturally, he made a statement that has stuck with me ever since. He said, “Josh, there is a major difference between being a Christian businessman and doing business Christianly.” I’ve often reflected on that phrase and I want to suggest 4 ways how doing “business Christianly” is a critical form of hospitality that serves as one of the greatest witnesses to the truth of the Gospel.
How to Disagree Well
Unpopular Opinion: disagreeing well with someone can transform our hearts. It may seem foreign, especially in today’s world, that disagreeing well with someone could actually benefit us and bring honor to God.