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The coming year, 2021, is just on the horizon and we have much to ponder and reflect upon.

However, to a Christ follower, nothing is more important than how we develop our relationship with God Almighty and live out our lives before a lost world. Of course, the pandemic is a primary thought on most peoples’ minds, but to a follower it must not be the primary consideration.

As we continue to look at the gift of God’s Son and wonder at the eternal promise, we see God as He so lovingly prefers mankind over Himself. The Lord tells us to prefer one another. He does not tell us to do so at no cost to Him. He preferred us when we had no hope and no eternity. With one disobedient act, Adam chose to disobey God and go his own way. That decision cost God his Son. God could very well look at you and look at me and say we are not worth it. Instead, He allowed His Son to be a living sacrifice for you and for me. With one drop of blood on the cross, His Son paid the ultimate sacrifice for our eternal freedom. We could be with God forever and ever, without end.

The word tells us, “Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)

It is not like you can see germs. Did someone get it from the gas pump handle, egg cartons from the grocery store or a trip to that big, big department store? However, people will point fingers and say it was because they were together. The reality those same people will go everywhere and do everything else they want to do, but not be devoted in brotherly love.

As Christ followers entering the New Year, may we put our lives in order with God’s Word and stop the hypocrisy. God preferred us at a great cost. Faith is not a tool kept in a box to be used when we need something. Faith is active, present and visible in our lives for when others need something. We are here to share the love of God with all of mankind. How will they see it or experience it, unless we truly live it?

May the Lord protect us throughout 2021, may we cling to what is good and be devoted to one another.

Yvette Perrin is a columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.