We are to touch the world with the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. That includes the difficult topics. The hard conversations. Not for our sake. For those who do not yet know Jesus Christ as their savior.
In these conversations and topics, we must be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). This phrase is often spoken about, but sometimes we don't mention the following phrase... for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:20). James speaks directly regarding the believer who shows the anger.
I'd put forth this additional thought... As a believer in Jesus are you being effective in the great mission that God gave you to make disciples if what the other person sees is anger rather than righteousness in the quickness to listen and the slowness to become angry? Here is our mission... every one of us who follows Jesus... Go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
By all means we should have protection in our country from those who would hurt us. That is the role of the government. That is their job. (How I hope they would do it!) But whether they do their job or not, our job is to share the love of Jesus Christ to all those in our reach. And the "nations" are coming to us. Headline... they are already here. The Muslim. The refugee. The lesbian. The transgender. The picture perfect mom who loves her kids and husband, but simply doesn't know Jesus. They are all the same. If they don't know Jesus, they are all the same.
And our job is to bring Jesus to them.
I am grateful that I help to pastor a church which is willing to jump into these difficult topics. These hard conversations. All for the sake of the gospel. For that must remain central. I know many of you who read these posts are not from Community Bible Church, but perhaps this is something which as a believer in Christ Jesus, interests you. Here is a link which will allow you to listen in on our current message series on Politics, Islam & Refugees.
We are willing to have these discussions for HIS glory. For HIS purposes. It is an act of worship to do so.
worship Him 24/7...
scott