This could very well be my last devotional for The Farmville Herald (or anywhere). Now that I have your attention, let me tell you why. I am challenging both the Christian and the non-Christian and in turn it may provoke strong feelings on both sides.

I expect hate mail and fan mail. But either way, the purpose in a devotional is to make you think, learn and grow. I’m tired of negativity. Maybe you are too. Every politician in any party you name has somebody somewhere saying they are crooks, liars or useless. Every denomination has something it could say about another denomination and every faith has something it could say negative about another faith. Both Christian and non-Christian argue over politics, abortion, the death penalty, global warming, and which pizza chain has the best pizza.

It seems the only thing most people can agree on these days is that we disagree on many points, issues, causes and agendas. Word to the Christians: It’s not your job to “bash’, belittle, berate or attack people of different faiths, no faith, different sexual choices or different political and social causes and opinions.

Word to the non-Christian: Just because somebody says something that is biblically correct, it doesn’t mean they are “haters,” think they are better than you, or are trying to attack you. Both sides need to give a little grace, show a little mercy, and have a little respect.

People are where they are because of the choices they have made and the impact and influence of life, family, society, and yes, even religion. Each person has reached the point where they are at through a process and nobody is finished with their process. You may be unsaved today and a champion for Christ tomorrow. You may be “super Christian” today and tomorrow so far from God you have no idea where you are.

Be patient. Use patience to come to understand each other. Have faith that God is working in the lives of each person in His own way and in His own time. Hope for better days, hope for change, hope for all to be reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. Have love for one another; do nothing out of hate or bigotry or a sense of superiority Be patient, have faith, show love, have hope and pray. Correct that which is biblically wrong with love, patience and hope. Praise that which is biblically right without pride or ego. Call people to change but have patience (faith) as that change takes place. Ask people to become better but pray with hope that they will. Hold people accountable but do it with love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Whatever you do, whatever you believe, whatever you practice, when dealing and interacting with each other, if you are a Christian, do it with Faith, Hope and Love.

REV. BARRY VASSAR can be reached at fitzgeraldmemorial@gmail.com.