An "Ugly Christian"

I have decided to write on something that has been a source of heartache for me a lot over the past year or so. It's not intended to condemn anyone but to bring light to a serious issue, an issue that I have been seeing too often. Don't get me wrong, I have struggled with being an "Ugly Christian" on occasion, too. However, as Christians, we must become more aware of this on a daily basis. We must start fresh everyday by striving and praying for a heart that loves others as God has instructed us to. And to teach Gods truth to those who are lost, off-track or broken, only after we have earned their trust, through the love we show, the life we live and the sacrifices we make. We don't know what that person has been through or struggles with daily...so find out and meet them where they are, instead of just "shaking your head" at them in disapproval. If you find yourself too often being rude, snarky, judgmental, overly critical or just plain ugly to others, whether it's a friend, enemy or family member, it must stop! Pray for God to change your heart. I feel this to be of great importance because I've heard countless times that it was an "Ugly Christian" that was the reason for someone turning from the Church, The Faith and God. Yes, we are to share truth, but share truth in love. If you don't selflessly and genuinely love that person, then you have no business sharing judgmental truth with them. 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." If you are being an "Ugly Christian" it's time to worry about yourself and your relationship with God before you try to "fix" someone else. And never forget each sin is equal in the sight of God. Romans 3:23-24 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." We win souls by sharing Gods love! We guide others to an abundant, joy & peace filled life by sharing the truth, truth wrapped in genuine love and concern...not condemnation. If even Christ does not condemn Christians, then who are we to condemn a fellow sinner. We don't know who is in Christ and who is not...leave that to God & leave conviction to The Holy Spirit. Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. " 1 John 4:13, 15 "This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God." One last note, it's not always just the words or actions you use that make you an "Ugly Christian", it can be the tone and look in your eyes that can relay what is truly in your heart. What is truly in your heart? And what is your true motive? The motive that Gods sees not the motive you've convinced yourself it is. If you are the one who has left the church because of "Ugly Christians", I am truly sorry! Please don't mistake our broken human nature for the nature of God. God is full of love, forgiveness and grace! ❤️ Don't reject God because of something a "human" did. Because in the end, you aren't hurting them, you're hurting yourself. 

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