First John 4:21 says, “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
Do you have relatives who feel it is their call in life to discourage you? If you do, then you are not alone. One of the worst things you can do when you come into the knowledge of the Word of God is to hang around and fellowship with unbelievers.
Of course, we must keep this in balance because God doesn’t necessarily want us to isolate ourselves, but rather, insulate ourselves from the world.
However, for the young Christian, it is best to find and hang around with as many Christians as possible. Most animals, when they are young, must stay with the older animals in the herd, flock, pack, etc. Why is this? It’s God’s plan in nature for the mature to nurture and protect the immature. This holds true in the church also.
As mature Christians we are required to nurture and protect the young ones who have just received Jesus. However, I have discovered over the years that it’s easier to protect young Christians from sinners in the world than it is some of their relatives.
Recently, a teenager, who had just received Jesus as his Lord and Savior, was telling me about all of the kids at school he was witnessing to. He had discovered that Jesus had changed his heart concerning some schoolmates that he previously hated.
The love of God was so strong on this young man that he was a powerful witness at school. Then after not seeing him at church for a few weeks, I encountered him at a local store. He apologized for not being at church and said the reason was that his parents didn’t want him to be a Christian.
It’s sad when family members would rather have a worldly person living in their home than a person who walks by faith and walks in love.
How do we respond to family members who don’t understand the word of faith? The answer is quite simple. We respond the way Jesus did. We walk in love being led by the Spirit, submitting to authority but never denying the love we have for Jesus.
First John 4:12 says, “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.