In the Light

In the Light

1 John 2: ⁹ If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. ¹⁰ If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. ¹¹ But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind.

 

============

 

Walking down the dorm hallway, a guy stuck his head out and yelled out a racial slur directed solely at me. This caused me to react, however I was scrawny. I needed help. I found a my 300 pound friend to “help” me with this situation. We pounded on the room door until they opened it.

 

• I had rage in my heart.
• I had retaliation in my heart.
• I wanted to fight to show people, you can’t do this to me or anyone else!

 

John does a masterful job at addressing hatred. He has been with JESUS and watched HIM love every race, age and gender. He saw love at its purest. He gives a reminder to self-examine in order to determine if there is hatred in wounded hearts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD loves people that I don’t like.
• GOD wants me to desire that all humans, even people I don’t like, go to heaven.
• GOD sees any hatred I may harbor in my heart, even if someone has cause me pain through his or her hatred.

 

Hatred brings on more hatred. I mean, when someone has performed an act of overt or passive hatred, I store it in my mind and plan my retaliation. This has never, ever worked! GOD wants me to “chose” a different way.

 

JESUS created humans. They wanted an earthly king who sounded and acted like them. When they found someone who was generous, kind and broke, they could not believe HE was the Messiah that would save the entire world, so they killed HIM out of hatred. HE was raised from the dead out of love. I am glad JESUS is my example and reminder that hatred is a choice. I choose love.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever been hurt by a person and wanted to get back at their entire race, age or gender?
• Will you examine your motives and see if there is even the smallest kernel of masked hatred so you can ask GOD to remove it and fill your heart with HIS love today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, our world is filled with hatred for one another today. Please help this reader self-examine any hatred he or she may harbor towards even one person so love can enter the heart and YOUR forgiveness can enter. amen

Amazing Hate

Matthew 12: ²² Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. ²³ All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

============

Hatred is bewildering and amazing. I mean when I don’t like a person, there is not much “right” they can do.

• Hatred blinds me.
• Hatred makes me unable to see any good.
• Hatred takes me to s place where grace cannot live.

I may justify my words and say “I don’t hate the person” but if I am constantly thinking of their wrongs and talking about their missteps, I hate them, plain and simple. What can help me with this hatred?

• GOD says to me “Love one another” is the greatest command.
• GOD says to me “How can I show you grace if you cannot show others grace?”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies for it is easy to pray for those who love you.”

Even a slight margin of hatred can breed a war. I tussle with GOD when HE tries to get me to do the right thing. GOD wants me to turn my amazing hate into amazing grace. When I do this, HE gives me rewards that I cannot imagine!

• Are you on the path to hatred?
• Is there someone in your life or on the news who you talk about constantly in a negative way?
• Can you stop your hatred and get on the road to grace?
• Will you ask GOD to heal your wounds and channel you anger towards GOD’s love?

Hated and Appalled

Isaiah 52: ¹³ See, my servant will act wisely;
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations,
    and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

============

“Hey ” the crowd called out in a mocking fashion. “Not so powerful now are you?” they jeered. One person spit, then the next. Soon the crowd got comfortable and because everyone else was focused on this one person, they joined in. No spotlight on anyone in the mob, rather the beacon shined directly on one poor soul.

• It is easy to join in the crowd.
• It is easy to be part of the mob.
• It is easy to say what is wrong and become part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

Mobs look for what is wrong and try to rally people to their cause. Labels are quickly put in place that everyone around agrees with and suddenly the mob can do what they want to do because “everyone else” is doing it. This is unfortunate for the mob.

• JESUS was appalled by HIS own creation.
• JESUS was beaten to the point of disfiguration.
• JESUS was marred beyond human likeness.

Which side of the mob would I have been on? Would I spit on JESUS or would I risk my life and step into help HIM. This test happens daily. The hard choice to follow GOD is placed in front of me on a daily basis. Will I hide my relationship with JESUS in order to get ahead? Will I slander “that” person in order to look right in everyone else’s eyes? Will I go against GOD’s word and sin anyway?

GOD has done far more that I can imagine for me. HE went out on a limb to save me and has faced far more than I have ever faced. HIS ridicule and defacement won’t last though. HE acted wisely and took on every human’s sins, even mine. HE is now raised and lifted up. HE IS highly exalted!

• Are you part of the mob?
• Do you try to rally people to “your” cause rather than spreading GOD’s word?
• Can you stop slandering and start spreading the GOOD NEWS?
• Will you recognize what JESUS has done for you today?

Hate is such a strong word!

1 John 2: ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

============

If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bully. I mean it seems like I have run into them all my life.  I mean there was the guy in fifth grade and there was another in high school and some more at work only they bullied with words. 

“I just HATE them” is what I felt so I began pushing back.  I mean bullies aren’t going to push me around anymore! I lifted weights to fend off the physical bully, and learned snappy, cutting retorts to slice down the political bully. Soon I found myself going after these bullies because I could stand toe to toe with them.

• Mild forms of hatred turn into large forms of hatred with me.
• Mild forms of hatred are disguised in me as “things I don’t like” about that person.
• Mild forms of hatred expose themselves when I could care less what happens to the person.

Even when I isolate myself or segregate myself or even separate myself from them it still doesn’t seem to work. I still think about them and stew over what they have done. I don’t want them to have mercy, BUT GOD does.

• GOD wants me to love people, especially my enemies.
• GOD wants me to love people, even those who are difficult to love.
• GOD wants me to love people, ignoring their sin to win them over.

It is not GOD’s wish that anyone perish so why do I give up on that person so easily? GOD desires that I have patience with them because HE has patience with me.

• Do you dislike someone?
• Is there someone in your life who just makes you sick?
• Is there a popular person who you just rile about?
• Can you turn your thoughts into positive ones for “that” person?
• Won’t you try to understand GOD’s love for you AND “that” person?

Am I too prejudiced to tell others about GOD?

Acts 11: ¹⁹ Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

²⁰ Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

============

Sitting in a room with a group of people it was quite easy to tell I was the only one of my race. My native language was being spoken, but for some reason, I couldn’t pick up on all of the conversation. References to people I had never heard of and places I had never been made me feel inadequate.

I slowly crept back into the shadows. How can I reach others if “they” don’t include me?

• Culture will always be a barrier if I let it.
• Racial differences will always be an excuse if I let it.
• Other differences in the way people live will always be a reason not to love if I let it.

When I assume people won’t want to hear from me because I look and act different from them I am placing my own prejudice in GOD’s way. “They won’t accept me” is the first thing on my mind so I figure “why try?”

• GOD can and will use me to speak to any nation HE pleases.
• GOD’s message is pure and it’s up to me to keep HIS message pure no matter who HE sends me to.
• GOD uses my uncomfortable situation to “scatter” me to places I never would have dreamed and speak to people I never would have spoken to.

When I try to protect my feelings and even my body I reject GOD’s commandment to me telling me to “go” to all nations. HE simply wants me to have compassion for all humans knowing HIS love is bigger than any cultural, racial or lifestyle differences.

I know JESUS is GOD who died because I sinned. HE is now alive because HE was raised from the dead. Now I am free from the eternal consequences of sin. What great news! Now my message is for anyone who will hear that JESUS is the CHRIST and HIS compassion is endless!

• Are you segregated in your worship?
• Do you feel someone of another race or culture will reject GOD’s message of love?
• What is stopping you from speaking to “that” person about JESUS?

Stand Firm!

Luke 21: ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.

============

Have you ever had one of those days when it feels like “everyone” hates you and what you stand for? Well I have had many days like that.  It seemed like the very mention of my name would drive rage in others.  I guess on those days I should get my battle gear on and come out swinging right? Wrong!

• Standing firm for GOD means giving an extra dose of mercy when I have the power to crush my enemy like a grape.
• Standing firm for GOD means showing more love to those who take it and trample it to the ground.
• Standing firm for GOD means praying more for the person who has a bad attitude to prosper instead of wanting their demise.

On those days when “everyone” hates me, I actually have to do a self-inventory to see if I have in fact done something stupid, mean or arrogant. I still may have so my prayer is for “that” person and for me.

GOD has kept HIS promise so far. Not a hair on my head has been harmed and HE has kept my eternal future secure. HE wants me to focus on the true finish line instead of the changing circumstances of the day. 

I can’t even remember the trouble I faced last year because of the troubles I face today! It means that I should not worry about “this” circumstance because GOD brought me through the last one. GOD wants me to “stand firm” HIS way and I will win LIFE.

• Are you having one of those days?
• Does it seem like the “good” you do for others is misinterpreted as picking a fight?
• Are your efforts of love not being recognized?
• Can you realize that GOD sees your efforts and loves you with supreme love?

Grace is so much stronger than power!

Luke 9: ⁵² And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; ⁵³ but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.

 ⁵⁴ When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” ⁵⁵ But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

============

Bullies seem to be a way of life these days. Whether it is a terrorist, politician, gang member, corporate boss or simply the captain of the cheerleading squad those who chose to abuse power will exist to the end.

My ambition to climb the corporate ladder was fueled by fairness and equality yet admittedly at times it did feel good flex my muscles on those “I” perceived to be obnoxious and irresponsible. They would feel my wrath immediately with no apologies.

• GOD’s grace is given to me in spite of me not because of me.
• GOD’s grace means I have sided with the one who has all the power to condemn me because HE forgives me.
• GOD’s grace is what I am supposed to show those who despise me, mock me, bully me and want to control me for their evil purposes.

James and John, nicknamed the sons of thunder, truly believed that fire would come from heaven to kill those who opposed JESUS and it probably would have if they asked. What faith however misguided. JESUS showed me that just because I am right, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t show grace to those who oppose me.

• Is someone really annoying you?
• Are you showing GOD’s grace to “that” person?
• Do you realize the grace GOD has given you?

I need a bad "memory."

Matthew 6: ¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

============

Which box are you in, box number one or two? You are probably in a box because I put you there. Either you did something bad or good to me. Funny, if you are in the “did something bad to me” box then it’s very hard to get you out of that box. My memory is clear and the malefaction is brought top of mind.

The other box is a nice box that I put you in which is the “you did some nice things for me” box. It’s filled with good memories and sometimes raises the person up on a pedestal that maybe they don’t deserve.

• When I remember the sin the other person did, I cannot fully forgive.
• When I replay the details of the sin over and over, then my mind adds details from other sins.
• When I retrace the steps of the person’s sin I find myself in the trap of their sin.

Humans will do wrong things. I am human and I will do something wrong. My reaction to sin, blatant or not, is what GOD looks at to determine my consequence. “Consequence?” you ask. Yes consequence. I am saved from eternal separation through belief in JESUS which is an “ultimate” path, but what about the “relative” path?

• If my “relationships” are not healed then I will have turmoil on earth.
• When my “relationships” suffer my words are weakened and I spiral downward into more sin.
• If I allow their sin to get in the way of my “relationship” with the person then GOD will allow the full consequence of “my” sin to hit me hard.

GOD put me here to “relate well” with others in order to draw them back to HIM. I must model the mercy, grace and love HE models toward me. I must admit this is quite difficult, especially with close loved ones BUT GOD gives me help.

In my prayers I can ask for GOD to forgive them as HE has forgiven me for (insert sin here). I can also purge my memory of the event and practice remembering good things.

• Are you good at holding grudges?
• Someone has to show grace and mercy first, can it be you?
• What sin have you done recently that GOD may show full consequence?
• Can you remember what good things the other person has done?

GOD loves me, that’s all that matters.

1 John 4: ⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

============

Anticipation built up because this was my first evaluation on my new job. I had worked hard and got along with everyone, well, almost everyone. My boss was a blowhard and wanted everyone to fear him but that’s not my style. We sat and went through the year’s performance and I received a “moderately good” performance which was just above needing to improve.

“You’ve got to be kidding” I exclaimed! Rage filled my heart and everyone who ran into me that day knew not to cross me. On the way home I began to plot.  “How am I going to get around this jerk?” I thought to myself.  Right then a police pulled me over for speeding. “This is not my day!”

• If I’m not careful then circumstances can make me lose focus on loving people.
• If I’m not careful then the seed of hatred can blossom into anger, rage and fury.
• If I’m not careful then I can only see negative and miss the fact that GOD is in control.

We are placed on this earth for GOD’s pleasure not our own. “GOD is love” and HE wants me to share HIS love as much as I can during my short life. The problem is I run into “problems.” These problems, troubles and trials seem to frustrate me into fear, worry, doubt, anger, rage and other wild emotions. GOD wants me to control my emotions and focus on HIM.

• Loving people is a choice not a feeling.
• Loving people takes practice so I can begin by reducing my complaints.
• Loving people means I actually value the person’s existence just like GOD does.
• Loving people isn’t always easy so I ask GOD and HE widens my heart abundantly.

Only GOD can help me love the unlovable. There are mean, nasty, poisonous people who GOD adores and the tiniest act of love from me towards them makes HIM excited. GOD showed HIS love towards me in the middle of my sin, now I can do the same for others.

• Are you so focused on your circumstances that you haven’t shown “love” to others?
• Can you stop focusing on yourself for a minute and pray for others?
• Can you see “that” person the way GOD sees them, with forgiveness and mercy?
• If your heart is not filled with love right now, can you ask GOD to clear it and fill it with HIM?

I just don’t like “that” person.

1 John 2:  ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. ¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

============

Walking down the hallway after practice was a delight because it meant I could go home and get rest. Out of nowhere one of the football jocks appeared in front of me, balled up his fist and punched me in the chest.

You would think that wouldn’t cause much strife, but I was so skinny that I looked like the number “1.”  He actually knocked the wind out of me and I literally saw planets dance in my head has I gasped for air. You know… I really didn’t like that guy!

• There are people in the world who want to harm me just for being me.
• There are people in the world who don’t have my best interest in mind.
• There are people in the world who have deep rooted issues that want to take it out on me.

Over the years the face of the bully has changed from the guy who wants to hit you to the power hungry control freak women or the politically savvy guy with the pretty face wielding a dagger behind his back. These are all bullies nonetheless. GOD wants me to treat them differently.

• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be stronger and let GOD do the fighting.
• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be wiser and use love as my weapon.
• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be graceful because GOD is graceful to me.

It’s easy to love people who love me BUT GOD wants me to love those who actually don’t like me at all. Believe it or not, HE loves “that” person too.  I sometimes feel justified for my anger, mild dislike or hatred of enemies but GOD doesn’t look at them, HE looks at me. HE knows the people who will have no part in HIM but expects more out of me.

I can pretend to be part of GOD’s family, but if I carry around hatred for another one of HIS humans then my problem isn’t with them, it’s with GOD. Race, gender, age, class, sexual preference, or political affiliations seem to be hot beds of hatred and arguments for “easy” believe-ism. BUT GOD just wants me to show “love” so that HE can draw people to HIMSELF.

• Do you have a problem with someone?
• What is truly in your heart when you think of “that” person?
• Can you focus your hear on serving that person instead of getting even?
• Can you pray for GOD to bless “that” person and leave it at that?

Make the world a better place

Titus 3:  ¹ Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

 ³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

============

“2011 is going to be a different year” I tell myself then I turn on the news and everything seems to be the same. Hatred and slander reign on the news bringing me to a boiling point not because of who or what they are talking about, just that they are talking. What should I do about this?

• I need a new attitude towards my boss, government, spouse or volunteer leader this year.
• I need to treat them without hatred like GOD wants me to.
• I need to remove slander from my tongue and respect that person’s position.
• I need to learn obedience, peace and consideration for GOD has placed this person in authority.

This is very difficult for me to do given the political climate of the world. I mean it seems like people are trying to rule by slander rather than reconciliation. Well that’s the problem, I’m looking at what someone else is doing rather than focusing on what GOD wants me to do.

• GOD wants me to diminish my lust for “passions and pleasures” so I can teach purity.
• GOD wants me to reduce my “malice and envy” to the point where it’s under control.
• GOD wants me to increase love and reduce hatred so that my life can point to HIS.

“Wait” you say. What do you mean “reduce” or “diminish” these terrible things? Shouldn’t I cut them out of my diet “cold turkey?” Well if that works for you then great, but I find I must work things out of my life little by little until one day they are gone.

GOD saved me, not because I was perfect, but because HE wanted to love me and rescue me. I am highly appreciative of that now I want to serve HIM. The key to making the world a better place lies with me changing my attitude this year.

• Are you bitter about someone in authority?
• Is slander your mode for getting ahead or getting your point across?
• Can you reduce your slander in order to please GOD who put them there?
• Isn’t it time to follow GOD and HIS ways of love?

Unity sounds so nice right now.

Ephesians 4: ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

============

My heart was heavy as I reviewed what seems to be going on in the world today. Many selfish couples are mad at each other because they are not getting “their way.” Politics are in the toilet because of the extreme hatred shown around the world. People laugh and joke about their sin as if GOD doesn’t mind or care.

This can make anyone want to throw up their hands and say “what’s the use!” BUT GOD speaks differently to me through these words. In order for the world to be better, I need show people who GOD is.

• Instead of being arrogant, I can be confident yet humble.
• Instead of being hostile, I can be stern yet gentle.
• Instead of being impatient, I can be focused yet patient.
• Instead of being judgmental, I can be realistic yet peace seeking.

GOD tells me to “make every effort to keep the unity of the SPIRIT through the bond of peace.” When the wheels are flying off my plans, I need to follow what HE tells me to do and remain calm.  HE will make the adjustments in the lives of others in order for me to assist them in HIS great unifying effort.

In other words, the first step to unity always has to be taken by me. Sound unfair? Sometimes, BUT GOD rewards me each time I make a step towards the unity HE wants me to show.  GOD made humans to get along with each other, I need to do this as much as I can, no matter how someone else is acting.

• There is only ONE GOD.
• There is only ONE hope.
• There is only ONE SPIRIT.
• There is only ONE body.

GOD is in everything and is everywhere. HE created people who live and think differently than I do. As much as I like to get my way, GOD wants unity.

• How are your relationships?
• Do you like to be “heard” or to “win” the argument?
• Why is “your way” better than “their way?”

Plan for someone to dislike you, but don't help the process.

John 15:20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

========================================

I still get surprised when someone doesn't like me for no reason at all. When a person puts me in a category because of some obscure thing that happened to them when they were six, it makes me upset and confused.

I have had people call me vulgar names and do some very nasty things to me throughout the years. When I was a kid, I didn't have much. I was teased about the little I had. My clothes were sometimes too short and I was never in style, so I yearned for a job.

I bought the latest clothes and then I was teased about my hair. I took care of that and then I was teased about my glasses. I bought the coolest frames. Then they said I was too skinny. Okay... enough change! I soon found out that I was chasing a rainbow trying to fit in. Unfortunately my resolve was short lived.

I went away to college and began to fit in. My best friend and I would laugh and have a good time. Then a couple of people hung out around us, then it was a small crowd. Soon we had a mob of people hanging out in our room or apartment. I had made it! The world loved me! Meanwhile I wasn't serving CHRIST at all.

• I wasn't telling people about GOD's son.
• I wasn't studying HIS word.
• I wasn't praying.
• I wasn't serving anyone.
• No fruit.

I did however have a lot of "friends" or at least I thought they were. Then a problem came up and another problem and another. I went to my "friends" and found out they weren't friends at all. They couldn't handle their own problems let alone mine.

I was alone in the middle of a crowd. I decided to try GOD again. I began teaching the Bible after studying it and getting cut by its words. A few people accepted what I was saying and they believed! What a great feeling. I wanted everyone to know about GOD's SON.

I started telling people about GOD and HIS wonderful grace and I noticed people who were my party friends started disappearing. So I tried harder. "You are going to like JESUS whether you like it or not!", I thought to myself. I went after them with a passion and I noticed the crowd getting smaller and smaller.

"Why isn't this working?" I thought about it and the LORD showed me my judgmental attitude to my approach. This is something GOD could not use so I made an adjustment and HE blessed me with 'plenty' in all aspects of my life.

Sound like a happy ending? Well I'm not done yet. After GOD showed me that I had a bad attitude and gave me the gift of grace and mercy I used my learning’s at work. They didn't like me being gracious and inclusive and they certainly didn't want to hear anything about how GOD had blessed me.

• The world will confuse me by sending mixed messages.
• The world will laugh at me for not having the latest thing.
• The world will scoff at my attempts at grace and mercy.
• The world will sneer at my relationship with CHRIST.

People in the business world get nervous about mentioning CHRIST because money is more important than the people. I will continue to serve people not money. I will serve humans who are down instead of building up the wealthy who don't care.

• GOD loves me even when the world hates me.
• GOD loves me when I don't have much.
• GOD loves me when I show compassion for all humans.
• GOD loves me in spite of my sins.

I am no longer worried about fitting in because GOD said the world will hate me because I love HIM. I definitely choose this path because the rewards are huge! Don't give up, love people while maintaining a good attitude and the rewards will be great.

• Do people dislike you for no reason?
• Do people dislike you because you belong to CHRIST?
• Are you fitting in with the "in crowd" a little too well?
• Are you sinning and justifying it by being accepted?
• Can you continue serving even though people dislike you?

How would "you" like to be treated?

Luke 10:25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

====================================

I used to think this story was an example to show how to be good to strangers. Two religious types pass by a person in need and one stops and truly helps. End of story. But later I realized there is much more to this story.

The priest and Levite not only represent religious types, they represent me and my actions toward my family and friends and acquaintances. JESUS knew the Sadducee, or teacher of the Law, was trying to test HIM. This is a rare discussion that shows JESUS had compassion on even those who opposed HIM.

HE illustrates how people who have been in church a long time forget why they are learning the Bible. The Bible is meant to be a guide book rather than a rule book. The words of grace and mercy should guide humans away from the path of rejecting CHRIST.

The illustration shows us how to apply this guide book to our lives. JESUS uses an extreme example of a person coming from a group who hated the Jews for their prejudice. The Samaritan helped a Jew. GOD says at the end, "Go and do likewise."

Go and help someone you don't care for? Yes. What about repayment for my actions? GOD says "Your repayment will be in heaven where moths and rust cannot get to it." Flip the script, how would you like to be the person in need? Help someone in need, don't look at the pay, don't judge the person in need.

• Is there someone in your family who is in need?
• Are you too concerned with how you look to other people to help someone who is different than you?
• Is there anyone around you in pain that you are passing by because you are judging them?

"Love" is definitely an action word!

Matthew 5:43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

=====================

Competition is great for business but terrible for relationships. I am very competitive and driven and sometimes in my quest to win, I lose. Yes, I may win the battle, but lose in the long run by creating enemies. What happens when these jealous enemies retaliate? A mess happens!

As I dig my heels in ready to combat my enemies I see these words and get confused and conflicted. I want to win and I want my enemies to lose, BUT GOD wants my enemies to have grace and mercy.

What should I do? It's too late isn't it? I already made the enemy. GOD says start today and treat them with love. Well what if they started it? Surely I am justified in leaving them my enemy right? NO! GOD wants us to treat them with love too.

I don't like being the one to initiate love especially when the person is clearly in the wrong. Well, at least in my mind they are wrong. Now that I think about it, maybe it could be my actions that cause me to have enemies in the first place.

Yes there are small minded people who hate for no valid reason, but what about those who start off liking me and 'something' happens? I see that GOD wants me to love my enemies, because sometimes I may have wronged them and not realized what I have done.

I don't dwell on why the person doesn't like me, it would drive me crazy. I do understand GOD wants me to do a few things for the person.

• Forgive - GOD was my enemy and HE forgave me, now HE wants me to do the same.
• Pray - HE wants me to pray for both parties. Arguments have 2 sides.
• Let HIM have vengeance - HE wants me to throw my poison to the floor and HE will judge the guilty party. (I hope it wasn't me!)
• Do something HE would do - JESUS washed the feet and fed the person who would betray HIM. HE served those who hated HIM.

I guess I have to take this in baby steps. It would be hard to wash poop off the foot of my betrayer, but I can start with prayer. I can pray for a close exciting relationship with GOD that bears fruit in their life and mine.

When I think of the evil action, I can talk to my HEAVENLY FATHER and ask HIM for peace. Then I can say "do what YOU will to them and me."

• Do you have enemies?
• Did someone do something wrong to you or your family?
• Can you turn that bitterness into a prayer for the person at least once?
• Can you eventually get to the point where you want the "best" for them?