They will know we are Christians by our love...

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they'll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

This song is on the Jars of Clay CD Redemption Songs. I love this song because it is so true. Often times people will notice how we treat each other and they want to be a part of it. One thing that I have come to realize recently is that it truly is much harder to love fellow believers and forgive them. I know for me if a non-believer does something, I am quicker to forgive them because they may not know better. When a fellow believer does something, it is much harder for me to forgive. I heard this sermon recently that really shook me up and made me realize that I do this. Yes, they may know better, but they still make mistakes. I know when I am sinning, and I still mess up and do it. If I were to look at them the same way that God looks at them, then I would see perfection through Christ. If God can look at them and see this even though they have sinned, I ought to be able to look at them in the same way. Recently I was put in a situation where I dealt with this same thing. I was very upset with this person and I should have been able to forgive him, but simply because they never said that they were sorry, I held it against them and I was holding onto this hurt. I realized that I am now in the wrong. I can't justify my actions just because he hurt me. I still have to be able to forgive him or I am in turn hurting him. I am not only hurting him, but I am not showing my love for a believer in the way that I should and I know that doesn't look good to non-believers watching. We all are supposed to be working towards the same goal; glorifying the Lord. If I am not able to forgive and work with them in this same goal, how do I expect to accomplish it? It is so important to love our sisters and brothers in Christ and treat them the way that God sees them. We too mess up and still want people to treat us with love.

Amazing Grace!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Yet another amazing song! I listened to a three year old sing the first verse of this song and I couldn't help but tear up for a couple of reasons. The words are so true and so strong! If we really thought about this song on a daily basis, we would probably struggle with insecurities a lot less. Another thing that I thought was really cool was when I heard a three year old sing it. We are to train up children in Christ and it is so sweet to hear a child of God at such a young age worship the God of everything. Instilling these values at such a young age is not a waste of time for even when she is old, she will not depart from them.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.


I am pretty sure that I have already posted this song on my blog somewhere, but the lyrics are so good that I had to do it again! I encourage you to really meditate ont hese words and what they really mean.