glad

Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives. They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison. What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. (Philippians 1:15-21, CEB)

“Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives.” And this makes Paul glad because in all things Christ is preached. Because when people hear about God and the love God has for them, their lives are changed.

But sitting in Texas where people are not allowed to be who they know they are and people tell them until they change they will not be loved by God, I’m not sure just the preaching of Jesus will be enough. Saying God loves you while also saying your lifestyle is not one that God loves is not helpful, but hurtful. The other day I saw a video online that said “if the way you love your neighbor causes your neighbor to want to die, it is not love. I don’t care what Bible verse you quote, I don’t care how many Bible verses you quote, if your definition of love causes the death of others it is not love it is cruel and evil and has no place in the kingdom that Jesus talked about.” Hatred has no place in the kingdom.

The preaching Paul talks about is love that God has for all creation, not just those who agree with him or look like him or act like him. All creation.

So love. And allow those around you to feel that love and see that love.

Loving People. Loving God.