“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”
(-Jesus. Matthew 7:15-16, 20 NLT)
It appears, these days, that simple gestures such as humility, kindness, and politeness, especially politeness, have ceased to be in vogue.
It’s now applauded to be uncouth and outrightly rude. Simply put, it’s now cool to be mean.
This cannot, however, undermine the fact that Jesus demanded character as a mark of authentic discipleship.
At the core of Christianity lies a bestowed righteousness. An expression of this righteousness is character. This can’t be “outgrown” when certain spiritual heights have been attained.
Jesus demanded that his followers exude a fragrance of humility, grace, kindness, politeness, decency… He demanded this from all of His followers. No exceptions. He still does.
Have a splendid week.
Love,
Laura.