In Luke 9:51-56, the Samaritans reject Jesus, so James and John suggest that they might call down fire from heaven to destroy them.  Jesus rebukes them.  He has come not to destroy but to save. 

Are we more like Jesus, or more like James and John?  Like Jesus, do we seek to love and serve and save those who reject us, oppose us, are against us?  Or like James and John, do we want to destroy them? 

I fear the American church often fails miserably in this, for too often we are not known for our love toward those who oppose us.  Atheists, cults, other religions – we believe these are wrong, but how do we treat them?  With respect, love, and humility, as people made in the image of God? 

Or consider the cultural issues of the day.  Do homosexuals know us by our love, or are we more like James and John?  Could we be losing the culture war because we have made it a war, because we fight like the other side?  Our mission is not to destroy them but love them into God’s kingdom.  If we follow Jesus, we will treat them with humility.  Too often we respond like the Pharisees with pride, an attitude of – “I’m better than you.”  Somehow we forget that we are all sinners, and I have nothing in myself to boast in.  I am saved by God’s grace alone.  That does not mean we shouldn’t stand up for what we believe in, the issue here is how – our attitude.

Closely related to cultural issues is politics.  We may disagree with our President on many things, but what is our attitude toward him?  Proud, angry, and hateful?  Or humble and loving?  Jesus calls us to give up our fire from heaven and to love like he did.

Father, make us more like your Son who came in humility and love.  Remove the pride and hate from our hearts.  Let us treat others with the respect your image bearers deserve.  Amen.