How would you react if someone came to your family gathering and commanded all of your family and friends to get out? First of all, you’d think that they were as rude as could be. Secondly, you’d probably say or do something.

To better understand this subject I want you to keep in the mind the definition of the word polite. Polite: having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.

We all grow up being taught to be polite. But sometimes when it comes to matters of faith, you can not be polite. For example, sometimes a pastor has to speak strong to a person because the person is being overcome by negativity. It has happened many times where a pastor was speaking to a person and the person keeps talking about how big their problems are, and the man of God is forced to shake them up with his words. Maybe they are saying, “Pastor this problem is so big, and so hard, I don’t know how I will ever overcome it.” And the pastor has to say, “I don’t care how big your problem is, all I care about is how powerful God is!” Faith is like that. Sometimes it has to be rude. Yes, I’m saying that faith is not polite. Keep this with you always… faith is not polite!

Look at this example from the Bible; Jesus went to pray for someone that was sick. Actually the girl was dead. And what was the first thing He did? He put every body out of the house. The family, neighbors and all who were crying, because the girl had died. He put every body outside, which was rude! He only kept the mother and the father and the chosen disciples inside,  and that was because they were in agreement with the challenge. Look at what the Bible says about that incident:

“But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”…  And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.But He put them all outside. (Luke 8:50-54)

For the miracle to happen, first the environment of emotion had to leave, so he put them out of their own house. Now was that polite? For sure not. But did the miracle happen? It sure did!

Faith doesn’t cry, faith doesn’t rely on feelings. It is strong, determined and forward looking. So stop crying over spilt milk, stop taking it easy on yourself, and stop feeling sorry for yourself!

Action is what changes your life, not tears.

May the God of the Bible bless you.                                                                                                                                   

Bishop Bira Fonseca