gamers4Jesus.org

The other night some of us were playing Call of Duty and for much of the night, we were being attacked by other players because of our scripture messages that display on the screen every 30 seconds. When some people figure out that we’re a Christian server, the comments start flying. We often deal with cheaters, foul language, and poor behavior. Often times this constant activity can cause a person to, shall I say, loose control! I myself sometimes get angry, and the next person that comes into the server that does anything a bit rebellious, we let them have it! They get kicked, warned sternly, or even banned for a few days. I know, I’ve done all of this myself as have others.

As we seek God’s Word, we see that the finisher of our faith is ALWAYS right. His ways are not our ways. And all we can do is follow Him, and purpose in our hearts to be patient with those who are lost, that they might see the heart of Jesus and be drawn toward Him.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

However God Word says love is patient. God wants us to be very patient with those around us, yes even those who spitefully use or abuse us. Christians are instructed repeatedly in the Bible to be patient in every circumstance God allows in our lives. We are to be patient when wronged by someone as well:

2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

When we are suffering:

II Corinthians 1:6 “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”

While we are teaching others about God’s Word:

II Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

Our Christian walk should be marked with the distinct characteristic of patience:

Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…”

Galations 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”

God is love, love is patient (I Cor. 13:4), and God lives in us. So as Christians, we are to allow Him to reflect His love/patience in our lives for all to see. And we are to exhibit this trait of patience our entire lives:

James 5:8 “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

So the next time someone enters one of our servers, forums, your place of business or classroom, remember that God is love, you are His representative, and represent Him well.

Angelos