Tag: Humility

Genuine love goes beyond mere words.

Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn

True love is more than words; it requires action rooted in truth. As 1 John 3:18 (ESV) reminds us, “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.” Telling the truth to others, especially when it challenges or confronts, is an act of love because it prioritizes their ultimate good over our comfort. Truth spoken in love leads others toward understanding, growth, and alignment with God’s will, even when it feels uncomfortable in the moment. This kind of love refuses to settle for mere pleasantries or avoidance but courageously seeks what is best for others.

“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8 (ESV)). If God is love, then love and truth are inseparable. When we share truth with others, it must flow from the love we have received from God. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) says, “We love because he first loved us.” God’s love enables us to love others with sincerity, even when speaking difficult truths. Whether it’s addressing harmful choices or sharing the hope of the gospel, speaking truth shows that we care about their spiritual well-being and eternal destiny more than preserving superficial harmony.

Loving others through truth also means obeying God’s commands, for “This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands” (1 John 5:2 (ESV)). Love compels us to speak truthfully because God’s commands guide us toward life and freedom. As verse 5:3 assures us, “His commands are not a burden.” When we lovingly share the truth, we reflect God’s character and extend His grace. It isn’t about condemnation but about helping others see the light of Christ and the path to a transformed life. True love, grounded in action and truth, always seeks the best for others—even if it requires difficult conversations.

Showing God’s love when discussing difficult topics like homosexuality and abortion requires a balance of truth, grace, and compassion. It begins with recognizing that every person is made in the image of God and is deeply loved by Him. This perspective helps us approach conversations with humility and respect, rather than judgment or hostility. As we engage, our tone and demeanor should reflect the kindness and patience of Christ, ensuring that people feel valued even if they disagree with us.

God’s love is inseparable from truth. As 1 John 3:18 (ESV) says, love is shown “in action and in truth.” Speaking the truth about these sensitive issues is an act of love because it aligns with God’s design and leads to human flourishing. However, truth must always be delivered with gentleness and care (Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)). Our goal is not to win arguments but to point others toward God’s redemptive grace. Sharing how God’s commands bring life and freedom can help others see His heart behind these teachings.

Finally, we show God’s love by listening well and meeting people where they are. We acknowledge their struggles and experiences without compromising biblical truth. We extend hope by pointing to Jesus, who offers forgiveness, healing, and transformation. In every conversation, we should aim to reflect Christ’s love—a love that speaks truth boldly yet tenderly, and that seeks not to condemn but to restore and reconcile.

When discussing challenging topics like homosexuality and abortion, we are called to approach them with truth, grace, and love, reflecting God’s character. Scripture provides guidance on how to embody His love while addressing these matters. Below are key verses that offer wisdom on speaking truth in love:

1. Speak the truth in love

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

This verse reminds us that truth and love are inseparable in the life of a believer. When we speak about sensitive topics, our words must reflect Christ’s compassion and care, guiding others toward understanding without hostility or judgment.

2. Let your words be gracious

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
— Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Gracious speech means offering words that are kind, respectful, and wise, even when addressing moral or controversial issues. It ensures that the conversation remains constructive and points others toward the hope found in Christ.

3. Correct with gentleness

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV)

When discussing hard topics, we are instructed to avoid quarrels and instead correct others with gentleness. This approach leaves room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts, leading them to repentance and truth.

4. Love as God loved us

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
— 1 John 4:7 (ESV)

True love comes from God and is the foundation for all our interactions. This love doesn’t compromise truth but seeks the good of others, helping them align with God’s design for their lives.

5. Proclaim the truth of life

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
— Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

This passage affirms the sanctity of life from conception, reminding us of God’s intimate involvement in creation. Sharing such truths should inspire awe and a deep respect for human life while emphasizing the love and care God has for every individual.

6. Point to God’s design for relationships

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
— Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
— Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

These verses highlight God’s design for relationships and marriage. Sharing these truths should always be framed by love, focusing on God’s desire for human flourishing.

Summary

To show God’s love when addressing sensitive topics, we must balance truth with compassion. Scripture calls us to speak graciously, correct gently, and remain rooted in love, always pointing others toward God’s perfect design and the redemption available through Christ.

EXAMPLES

Here are some practical examples of how to show God’s love when speaking about challenging topics like homosexuality and abortion, guided by Scripture:

Homosexuality Example

Scenario: A friend shares they are in a same-sex relationship and asks for your opinion.

Response:

  1. Acknowledge their humanity and worth:
    • “Thank you for trusting me with this. I want you to know that I care deeply about you, and I believe you are loved by God.”
    • Reflect 1 John 4:7 (ESV): “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.”
  2. Speak truth with gentleness:
    • “As a Christian, I believe God’s design for relationships is outlined in Scripture, and it’s meant to reflect His love for us. That includes marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24 (ESV)). But that doesn’t change my care for you, and I want to keep talking about this if you’re open.”
    • Reflect Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): “Speaking the truth in love.”
  3. Offer support and invite dialogue:
    • “I know this might be hard to hear, but my hope is to walk alongside you. Let’s keep this conversation going.”
    • Reflect Colossians 4:6 (ESV): “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”

Abortion Example

Scenario: A coworker tells you they are considering an abortion due to financial struggles.

Response:

  1. Show compassion and empathy:
    • “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I want you to know I’m here to listen and support you however I can.”
    • Reflect 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV): “Be kind to everyone… correcting opponents with gentleness.”
  2. Gently share the value of life:
    • “I believe every life is precious, including the baby’s life and your life. Psalm 139 tells us that God formed each of us in the womb, and He loves you and your child deeply.”
    • Reflect Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): “You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
  3. Provide practical help:
    • “If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect you with resources or organizations that can support you during this time. You’re not alone in this.”
    • Reflect 1 John 3:18 (ESV): “Let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.”

General Approach

  • Focus on their value to God:
    • Remind them that their worth is not defined by their choices or struggles but by God’s love for them.
    • “God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. Nothing you face is too big for Him to handle.”
    • Reflect John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.”
  • Share your personal story if relevant:
    • “I’ve wrestled with understanding God’s truth and His grace in my own life. I’m here to share what I’ve learned and walk this journey with you.”

By showing empathy, sharing biblical truth, and offering tangible support, we embody God’s love while addressing these sensitive topics.

My Thoughts

In our spiritual journey, speaking truth and love are central to living out our faith authentically. The Bible teaches us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), reminding us that our words have the power to build up or tear down. When we speak with love, we offer truth not as a weapon, but as a tool for healing and growth. It’s easy to let frustration or anger guide our words, but in doing so, we risk hurting others and straying from God’s calling to love one another. True love doesn’t shy away from speaking the truth, but it delivers that truth with kindness, patience, and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ.

In all things, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, showing that truth and love can coexist harmoniously. The world often presents us with challenges, misunderstanding, and division, but as followers of Christ, we are tasked with overcoming these obstacles by speaking truth boldly and lovingly. Each conversation is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and to speak His truth into the lives of those around us. When we balance truth with love, we not only honor God, but we also help others experience His grace and mercy in a powerful way. Through our words and actions, we can become a living testimony to the transformative power of both truth and love in a broken world.

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Biblical Fasting

Rev. Cecil Thorn

In the Bible, fasting involves abstaining from food or certain types of food for a period of time as an act of devotion, repentance, or seeking guidance from God. The practice is mentioned numerous times throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Here are a few references in the English Standard Version (ESV):Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV): Jesus teaches about fasting, emphasizing the importance of doing it sincerely and not for show. Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): This passage discusses the kind of fast that God desires, which includes acts of justice and compassion towards others. Joel 2:12 (ESV): Joel calls for a fast accompanied by repentance and a turning back to God. Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): The church at Antioch fasts and prays before sending Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. Esther 4:16: Esther calls for a fast among the Jews as they face a life-threatening situation. These are just a few examples, but fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible as a means of spiritual discipline and seeking God’s guidance and intervention.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Biblical Fast 

II. Types of Fasts

III. Fasting Items

IV. Jewish Fasts

V. New Testament Fasting

I. Biblical Fast 

A biblical fast, as described in the Bible, involves abstaining from food or certain types of food for a period of time as an act of devotion, repentance, or seeking guidance from God. Here are some key scriptures and references:

1.  Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV):  Jesus teaches about fasting: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

2.  Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV):  God speaks through the prophet Isaiah about the kind of fast He desires: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

3.  Joel 2:12 (ESV):  Joel calls for repentance accompanied by fasting: “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

4.  Acts 13:2-3 (ESV):  The church at Antioch fasts and prays before sending Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

5.  Esther 4:16 (ESV):  Esther calls for fasting among the Jews in the face of a life-threatening situation: “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

These scriptures highlight various aspects of fasting in the Bible, including its purpose, proper attitude, and examples of fasting in practice.

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II. Types of Fasts

In the Bible, people observed fasts in various ways, often accompanied by specific actions or intentions.

1.  Abstaining from Food:  Fasts typically involved abstaining from food or specific types of food for a designated period of time.

   –  Daniel 10:2-3 (ESV):  “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”

2.  Repentance and Mourning:  Fasts were often associated with repentance, mourning, or seeking forgiveness from God.

   –  Joel 2:12 (ESV):  “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

3.  Seeking God’s Guidance:  Fasts were also observed as a means of seeking God’s guidance, intervention, or blessing in a particular situation.

   –  Esther 4:16 (ESV):  “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

4.  Spiritual Discipline and Worship:  Fasts were sometimes practiced as acts of spiritual discipline or worship, demonstrating devotion to God.

   –  Acts 13:2-3 (ESV):  “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

5.  Interceding for Others:  Fasts were also observed to intercede for others or for a collective cause.

   –  Nehemiah 1:4 (ESV):  “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

These examples illustrate the various purposes and practices associated with fasting in the Bible, each serving as a means of seeking God’s will, mercy, and presence.

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III. Fasting Items

In biblical fasts, people often abstained from specific types of food or even all food for a period of time. The items included in a biblical fast varied depending on the circumstances, cultural practices, and personal choices. Here are some common elements:

1.  Water:  In many biblical fasts, water was allowed, as it was essential for survival and hydration during the fasting period.

2.  Bread and Grain Products:  Fasts often involved abstaining from bread and grain-based products, which were staple foods in many ancient cultures.

3.  Meat and Animal Products:  Some fasts included abstaining from meat and other animal products, such as dairy and eggs.

4.  Wine and Alcoholic Beverages:  Fasts sometimes involved abstaining from wine and other alcoholic beverages, which were common in social and religious gatherings.

5.  Delicacies and Luxuries:  Fasts might also involve abstaining from indulgent or luxurious foods, such as sweets, desserts, and rich dishes.

Ultimately, the specific items included or excluded in a biblical fast depended on the individual’s or community’s intentions, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. The key aspect was the deliberate abstention from certain types of food as an act of devotion, repentance, or seeking God’s guidance.

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IV. Jewish Fasts

In Judaism, there are several types of fasts observed for different purposes, including communal and individual fasts. Here are some of the main types of Jewish fasts:

1.  Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Fast:  Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, and it is observed with a 25-hour fast from sunset to nightfall the following day. It is a complete fast, meaning no food or drink is consumed, and it is a time for repentance, prayer, and atonement.

2.  Tisha B’Av Fast:  Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning commemorating various tragedies in Jewish history, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is observed with a fast from sunset to nightfall the following day, similar to Yom Kippur.

3.  Fast of Esther:  This fast is observed on the day before Purim, commemorating Esther’s fasting before approaching the Persian king to plead for the salvation of the Jewish people. It is a dawn-to-dusk fast, typically lasting from sunrise to sunset.

4.  Fast of Gedaliah:  This fast commemorates the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor of Judah appointed by the Babylonians after the destruction of the First Temple. It is observed on the third day of Tishrei, the day after Rosh Hashanah, and it is a dawn-to-dusk fast.

5.  Tzom Gedaliah:  This fast is observed on the day after Rosh Hashanah, commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah. It is also a dawn-to-dusk fast.

6.  Tenth of Tevet Fast:  This fast commemorates the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, which ultimately led to the destruction of the First Temple. It is observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet and is a dawn-to-dusk fast.

These are some of the main types of Jewish fasts, each observed for different historical events or religious purposes.

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V. New Testament, Fasting

In the New Testament, fasting is mentioned as a spiritual practice, primarily associated with seeking God’s guidance, expressing repentance, and deepening one’s relationship with God. While specific guidelines for fasting are not extensively detailed in the New Testament, there are principles and examples that provide insight into what a New Testament fast might look like:

1.  Fasting for Spiritual Clarity:  In Matthew 4:1-11(ESV), Jesus fasts for 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. This fasting period is characterized by prayer, meditation, and spiritual preparation.

2.  Fasting for Prayer and Discernment:  Acts 13:2-3 (ESV) records a time when leaders in the early Christian church fasted and prayed before making important decisions: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

3.  Fasting for Repentance:  In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, the son returns to his father in repentance, saying, “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'” While not explicitly mentioned, fasting could be a part of the son’s act of repentance.

4.  Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline:  In Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV), Jesus teaches about fasting as a private spiritual discipline: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

5.  Fasting with Humility:  In Luke 18:9-14 (ESV), Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting the importance of humility in fasting and prayer.

These examples illustrate that New Testament fasting involves not only abstaining from food but also engaging in prayer, seeking spiritual clarity, repentance, and humility before God. It is a deeply personal and spiritual practice aimed at drawing closer to God and aligning one’s heart with His will.

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Embracing Christian Masculinity

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound concept of masculinity from a Christian perspective. In a world often muddled with conflicting messages about what it means to be a man, let us turn to the timeless wisdom of Scripture to illuminate the path towards authentic masculinity.

1. Rooted in Humility

      • Scripture Reference: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV))
      • Masculinity, from a Christian viewpoint, is not about dominance or asserting one’s superiority over others. Rather, it is grounded in humility, placing the needs and well-being of others above oneself.
      • “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 (ESV))
      • James encourages believers to humble themselves before God, promising that God will exalt those who demonstrate humility.
      • “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV))
      • Peter underscores the importance of humility in relationships and before God, highlighting that God opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble, ultimately leading to exaltation.

      2. Exemplifying Strength in Love

        • Scripture Reference: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25 (ESV))
        • True masculinity is demonstrated through sacrificial love, mirroring the love of Christ for His church. It involves strength not in physical prowess alone, but in the depth of one’s capacity to love and serve others.
        • “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV))
        • This verse encapsulates the overarching principle of conducting oneself with love in all actions and interactions, reflecting the strength of love in Christian character.
        • “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 (ESV))
        • This verse reminds us that our capacity to love stems from experiencing the love of God, highlighting the foundational role of God’s love in exemplifying love’s strength in our lives.

        3. Leading with Integrity

          • “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3 (ESV))
          • A Christian man leads with integrity, guided by moral principles and honesty in all endeavors. Integrity forms the bedrock of trustworthy leadership, both in the family and in society.
          • “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7 (ESV))
          • This verse emphasizes that leading with integrity not only benefits the individual but also leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
          • “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” (Psalm 78:72 (ESV))
          • This verse describes the leadership of David, highlighting his integrity and skill in guiding God’s people.
          • “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8 (ESV))
          • Titus encourages believers to exhibit integrity in their actions and teachings, ensuring that they stand as exemplary models of Christian conduct.

          4. Embracing Responsibility

            • “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV))
            • Masculinity entails taking responsibility for one’s actions, providing for and nurturing the family entrusted to one’s care. This responsibility extends beyond mere provision to emotional support, guidance, and spiritual leadership.
            • “For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:5 (ESV))
            • Galatians underscores personal responsibility, reminding individuals that they are accountable for their actions and the burdens they carry in life.
            • “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 (ESV))
            • This verse highlights the responsibility of fathers to raise their children in a manner that nurtures them spiritually and emotionally.

            5. Seeking Wisdom and Discernment

              • “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” (Proverbs 4:7 (ESV))
              • A Christian man seeks wisdom and discernment, recognizing that true strength lies in the ability to make wise decisions and discern the will of God in all aspects of life. This pursuit of wisdom shapes his character and influences his interactions with others.
              • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 (ESV))
              • James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, assuring that God is willing to generously grant it to those who seek it with sincerity.

              In conclusion, Christian masculinity transcends societal stereotypes and cultural expectations. It is a holistic embodiment of humility, sacrificial love, integrity, responsibility, and wisdom, all rooted in the teachings of Scripture. As men called to live out our faith in a broken world, may we strive to embody these virtues, reflecting the image of Christ in all that we do.

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