I doubt I’m the only one who has ever received a weird glance, or a cold shoulder. Sometimes it happens without me even knowing why. Is it the fact that my clothes are not immodest, or that I am at a store on a weekday during the afternoon? Is it that I smile at people as I walk down the hallway? We can’t control how people look at us, or even the things they say to us. Actions can speak louder than words, and words can hurt more than broken bones. But how are we supposed to react? To go even deeper, are we viewing others as Jesus does?
Do we subconsciously write someone off the moment we see their apparel, or judge them the moment we see their tattoos? People are hurting, and the love of God will never reach them if we close the door. We may not always say what we think, but God sees our thoughts. I'm guilty as charged. It’s hard to see others, let alone ourselves, the way God does! Out on our property we have some amazing workers. As strong and smart as they are, I have caught myself viewing them through my own eyes. It took me some time to realize that even though they are a little rough on the edges, don’t have Jesus in their heart yet, that God loves them just as He loves me. It is easy to be prideful and say, “well at least I am not as bad as them.” Or, “at least I go to church once a week.” Jesus doesn’t call us to point fingers. Its easy, but God is the only One who is perfect. But when did we forget that God loves them just the same! He never gave disgusted glances to the deceived. Jesus not once ignored the sinners because He was too righteous. We know how it feels to be put down because we don’t fit in. Its time to show them the love of God in such a way that they don’t know what they did to deserve it, rather than ignoring them so they don’t know God's saving grace. Did the anger and wrath of God set you free, or did the love and grace? We should never be too puffed up where we lose our compassion for the hurting. Everyone has a story. The person behind the cash register who doesn’t utter more than two words to you has a purpose. The man that drives past you in the car while angrily frowning has a name. I dare you to join me and love people not because we have to. To not show them the love of Christ just so we can get to heaven, but because God loved us first. I dare you to freely give grace and show compassion. Not only in your actions or deeds, but in your words and thoughts. Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Are we thinking these things about other people? Yes, we are all messy, but none of us are mistakes. I challenge you to see the good in people this week. Not only that stranger that you pass in the store, but your family. Your friends, your enemies, your co-workers, your church members. Yes, all of them. Jesus didn’t pick and choose who He wanted to show love to and share light with. He was light wherever He went, and He was love in every situation. Its hard to look past the darkness that is written all over the face of an unbeliever or the mistakes that your family member makes. So how do we do it? 1. Remember what Jesus did for us on the cross so we could be free. 2. Ask for His help, grace, love, and wisdom, lest we become too prideful to be His hands and feet. 3. Fill ourselves with His Word. The more we are filled with Christ, the more we have to pour out. Kind of like a pot. Imagine that you had cracks, but God’s love covered those cracks and filled you with water so that you could pour out that same water to others. Eventually so much water will fill them that they will want to know the pot-repairer Himself! We still will receive weird glances, but we respond in love. People will not always understand why we love them, and may hate us in return, but Jesus was hated before us. Not one trial we go through is unknown to Christ. The next time you get persecuted or put down by someone, shower them with God’s living water. Don’t expect anything in return! If you can sense the temptation of judging rising up within, look past their appearance and character. As much as they try to hide their hurt, and as much as we try to hide our thoughts, God sees them both, and He loves us both the same. This week, pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), rejoice when you’re spoken wrongly about for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:11), and love everyone with every part of you, even when everything in you wants to walk away (Mark 12:30-31). Romans 14:4 “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! God, our ultimate Father is so wonderful to give us the gift of earthly fathers. Sometimes our physical ones may be absent, but our spiritual ones and Eternal One are always here. Thank you God for giving me my dad, and for blessing us with each and every other dad out there. Tell God thank you today for His presence in our lives! Love you all, Hannah K. I Dare You #16- “Be a light for the easy-to-judge. Love them unconditionally. Even in your thoughts. That’s often the hardest part.”
2 Comments
Tom Fix
6/17/2019 06:53:10 am
The more we practice loving all people the easier it gets!
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Hannah K.
6/17/2019 10:12:58 am
Amen. Thank you for your comment and encouragement, Tom!
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AuthorHello, I'm Hannah and I'm so glad you're here! I'm a twenty-year-old Jesus-loving writer, National Bible Bee Alumna, and homeschool graduate. Jesus redeemed me, and now I give my life, and this blog, to serve Him. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to encourage each other daily, lest we be hardened by sin. I hope that reading each blog entry that I post you will be encouraged and challenged to become more like Christ daily. |