GOD CARES...EVEN FOR DIFFICULT PEOPLE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:20, ESV
Theme: Loving God and hating people are incongruent. We cannot say we love God when we do not love people.
“I HATE PEOPLE”
I’ve said this before. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I have…and probably not all that long ago. Someone lets a door slam in my face, blocks the intersection, talks loudly on their phone in public, throws trash out the window, or dings my car door.
Do I mean it? Do I really “hate” them? Certainly, not. It’s an overreaction to a small and likely insignificant situation that I’ve passed judgement on, because “I would never do that.” Worse yet is when I feel the need to address or correct what I perceive as inconsiderate behavior with a “look,” snide comment, or retaliation. In the moment, it seems entirely justified but, upon reflection, it is just my own demonstration of more discourteous behavior. Did I really try to teach someone a lesson by doing the exact thing to them that I just criticized them for doing to me? It becomes a circular reference…a closed loop with no solution. This attitude creates a barrier to building relationships with others and fails to honor God.
GOD’S LOVE DEMONSTRATED IN ME
Instead of an “eye for an eye” mentality, I must demonstrate a spirit of humility so that I can love others and the body of Christ can come together. There is no doubt…people can be difficult. Even believers. They disappoint us, misunderstand us, and sometimes hurt us. Yet, every person bears the image of God and is someone He loves. If I can put aside my personal agenda and selfish motives to see others through the lens of love, forgiveness, and patience, the reality of God’s love will be demonstrated in and through me.
We may not always feel warmth toward a difficult coworker, critical family member, or someone who has hurt us. Yet, we can still choose to pray for them, speak kindly to them, and forgive them. These actions reflect God’s love, even when our emotions lag. Love is not measured by how we feel; it’s measured by how we faithfully act.
Make It Personal: Sometimes, loving others starts with common courtesy and consideration. This not only allows others to hear the message of Jesus, but it also grows our own spirituality as we become more Christ-like. Growing in faith is further demonstrated by practicing the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). The more we reflect upon how deeply we are loved by Him, the more capable we become of loving others.
Pray: God, thank You for saving me and for forgiving my sin. Help me remember Your grace and unconditional love when I become haughty and intolerant. Reveal any bitterness or unforgiveness in my heart and replace it with grace. I want to sincerely show Your love to others so they can see You in me. Amen
Read: Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 John 3:18
Weekly Memory Verse: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35, ESV