Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. I John 3: 18

An Examination of Conscience

This month of Valentine's Day when thoughts are turned to love and the heart and we see red and pink hearts everywhere, it seems like as good of a time as any to conduct an examination of conscience focused on our love for our neighbors.

My Prayers:

Am I praying for those whom I consider to be my enemies; or am I praying against or at them?

• Do I lift them lovingly to the Father, praying they'll repent, find forgiveness, peace, and rest for their weary souls? (I remember how bone weary I was before I repented. How about you?) Do I hold my enemies aloft to the Father gently, asking him to bless them with understanding and a desire to know him and love him the way I would hold a cherished newborn up to him at a baby dedication?
• Or do I pray in anger, Lord, stop these people in their tracks! Bring them down!  God, show these people some of that Old Testament wrath of yours! Do it now! Where's a good lightning bolt when you need one?

 Question: Are my prayers for blessings or for lightning bolts?

 My Social Media Activity:

What is the true intent of my heart when I share Scripture verses and memes on social media?

• Is it done with a heart of love and with the intention of drawing people to repentance and the joy that accompanies it? Do I wish the people with whom I disagree joy?
• Or am I angrily flinging "scripture spears" at people the way King Saul sent spears flying at David after "false friend" inviting him over for dinner? Lord, help me remember that the sword of the Spirit is for rightly dividing the word of truth, not my neighbor.
  

 Question: Are the scriptures I share welcomes or weapons?

 My Heart for Others:

How do I really feel about those who don't share my beliefs?

• Do I have compassion for them the way Jesus did? Do I look on them with eyes of love even when they don't repent the way Jesus looked on the rich young ruler who just couldn't seem to let go of the status of his great material wealth so he could grasp eternal life?
• Or am I a Jonah, not really even wanting people to repent because if they do, then I can't go on feeling morally superior to them? In fact, if they do repent, I'll just sit here in the shade of this vine and pout about it, then complain even more loudly when my "right" to a vine is taken from me.

 Question: Do I delight in loving people or in loathing them?

 Are people safe in my prayers? Are their names safe in my heart? In my mouth?

What do I really, really, really hope God will do as a result of my prayers, the things I share on social media, and for the people with whom I disagree?

 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139: 23 - 24

Daye Phillippo

February 2021