March 17
We are reminded on St. Patrick’s Day of the intense love of a people for their country. We also reflect upon the conflict that endured for many years in Ireland between two warring factions of the Church of Christ. The Catholics and the Protestants were armed against one another for a long, shameful period in Ireland’s history.
Doctrine is important. The Bible admonishes us in I Timothy 4:16 to, “…take heed to sound doctrine whereby you save yourself and those who hear you.” We should study the Word thoroughly and arrive at a doctrinal position that is substantiated by the truth of scripture.
Yet we must not allow doctrinal differences to act as a wedge between ourselves and others of like precious faith. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save; He takes great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
He doesn’t qualify His salvation, His delight or His love. He does not sing joyfully over only those whose doctrine follows a specific prescription. Our Father looks at the heart of each individual and if He sees Christ dwelling there as Savior and Lord, He takes great joy in him—whether he be Catholic or Protestant.
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