Love In Any Language
This morning I sit on a balcony in Águas de Lindoia, Brazil as I await the beginning of the conference today. Two birds build a nest just a few feet from me on the powerline. People walk through a park across the street. It is winter time here so quieter than normal. I sit here in a sweatshirt hoodie in 52°F. This is a perfect place to write a morning blog.
The Joy of the Family of God
As I arrived here for my second time in this location, I have been greeted by our brothers and sisters-in-Christ. This morning early as I was walking, a man came up to me and said, “Kevin Carson.” As he smiled and warmly greeted me, he continued, “I speak no English. I am a pastor.” We warmly exchanged hugs and he went on about his day. This was just this morning before most people were even up and around. Yesterday, I enjoyed many similar conversations with those who could not speak English and many more with those who could.
What made this morning’s exchange possible? He spoke Portuguese; me English. What made it where I would feel a sense of brotherhood with this man I had never met before, but clearly knew who I was and wanted to greet me? Jesus Christ. Adoption. Eternal Brotherhood.
The Joy of the Apostle Paul’s Teaching to Us
Describing those who have been saved, the Apostle Paul wrote:
…and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:10-11).
Did you catch those beautiful words, “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all”?
As those who have been placed in family of God and body of Christ together, we enjoy an eternal bond together.
How close a bond? Close enough that a simple hug can express the love of Christ between two eternal brothers who speak different languages but have the same Father, same Savior, and enjoy the same Spirit. I could not help but think about the words, “Love in any language.”
What about you today? As you tackle your Monday, will you see all those who are in Christ together with you through the eyes of Colossians 3:10-11? Is it possible that you, like me, might have an easier bond with someone you do not share a common language with who is also in Christ than the person with whom you disagree, is also in Christ, and shares your same language? Let’s strive today to see all those who are in Christ with us together with the same heart of familial generosity, love, and brotherhood.
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Image Credit Joshua Woroniecki
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