Kindness Taken for Granted

 

Kindness Taken for Granted

Romans 11: ¹⁹ But you will say, “Yes, but the branches were broken off to make room for me.” ²⁰ That is true. They were broken off because they did not believe, while you remain in place because you do believe. But do not be proud of it; instead, be afraid. ²¹ God did not spare the Jews, who are like natural branches; do you think he will spare you? ²² Here we see how kind and how severe God is. He is severe toward those who have fallen, but kind to you—if you continue in his kindness. But if you do not, you too will be broken off. ²³ And if the Jews abandon their unbelief, they will be put back in the place where they were; for God is able to do that. ²⁴ You Gentiles are like the branch of a wild olive tree that is broken off and then, contrary to nature, is joined to a cultivated olive tree. The Jews are like this cultivated tree; and it will be much easier for God to join these broken-off branches to their own tree again.

 

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After being invited to stay for dinner, I felt like I had a second family. I was delighted that my friend’s parents took me in as they did. I started showing up more and more. Soon I became comfortable in their house. We laughed and played music loudly. Then I heard “Turn that music down and start cleaning up!” Uh-oh. Maybe I was getting too comfortable.

 

• There were times when I took someone’s kindness for granted.
• There were times when I got a little too comfortable with someone’s kindness.
• There were times when I was not afraid of my actions when I should have been.

 

Paul carefully explains to the Gentiles that they should not brag about being added to GOD’s family. GOD showed tremendous kindness when HE adopted everyone who believes in JESUS into HIS family.

 

But while GOD is kind, HE is also severe to those who fall away from HIM. HE cannot wait for HIS chosen people to turn back to HIM, but HE is willing to break off the branch of those who refuse to believe in JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS for the forgiveness of all my sins.
• GOD wants me to be relieved that I can still sin and be saved by grace.
• GOD wants me to reduce sinning day by day so I will not fall into HIS wrath of consequence for sinning.

 

JESUS paid it all. HIS death, burial and resurrection took care of any sin I could ever do. BUT GOD still has another side, namely wrath. HE sees when I try to do things without HIM and allows me to go my own way.

 

I fall into sin and GOD allows a small amount of wrath to come into my life. Fortunately HE doesn’t pour out HIS full wrath on me, just enough to get my attention. I am grateful for HIS correction.

 

• Are you taking GOD’s kindness for granted?
• Do you think HE does not see the sin you are hiding or will not do something about what you have done?
• Will you thank GOD for saving you and ask HIM how HE wants you to follow HIM today?

Kindness

 

Kindness

Acts 27: When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. ² We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

 

³ The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.

 

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Planning my day, I thought of all that I had to do. As I crept towards the toll booth, I could see the building where I worked. This let me know I had to be ready. When I got to the window to pay, the attendant said, “You can go. The driver ahead of you paid your toll.” I stopped thinking about work for a moment and was thankful.

 

• I have experienced many kind acts.
• I have experienced times when people have done kind things, just for me.
• I have experienced kindness and it made me thankful.

 

Paul and the other prisoners were being transported to Rome. Paul had appealed to Caesar for his defense, but had done no wrong. Many people knew Paul was innocent. Julius, a centurion, decided to do something. He decided to be kind to Paul.

 

• GOD wants me to be kind to people.
• GOD wants me to use kindness to bear fruit.
• GOD wants me to remember to be kind to people so my heart will be filled.

 

Empty distracted hearts easily forget to be kind. I mean, the distractions of the world can lead to hurt and pain. BUT GOD steps in and sends HIS servants to be kind in the middle of a doom-filled situation. From giving me a ride to simply smiling at me, many people have been kind.

 

Acts of kindness from others prompts me to be kind to someone that day. But when I am flustered and it seems like a lot of problems are rushing at me, I can use kindness as a weapon. I may only have the strength to smile at people, but it makes the problem smaller and smaller. I am glad people have used the fruit of the Spirit by being kind to me.

 

• Have people been kind to you?
• Are you easily provoked to anger, jealousy and rage?
• Will you trade in your hurt for kindness, so you act can be remembered by GOD today?

Building People

2 Chronicles 36: ²³ “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

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Find their flaw, document it and express it to the network of people was the method used in this particular company to get promoted or more budget or more responsibility. It really seemed sad, but there was one person who I admired who said to me “Be a king maker.” As I pondered these words I wondered “How?” I mean I’m not on the top, how will I put someone where I’m not?

• When everyone is tearing people down I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When people are focused on slander, lies and misconceptions I have a choice to be like them or not.
• When the crowd is full of malice, poison and spite, I have a choice to be like them or not.

In the middle of a chaotic workplace, he was telling me to “build people up” rather than tearing them down. Those who will be in my corner will remain there and those who aren’t will not. I remembered these words as I worked in a very difficult neighborhood who did not focus on GOD rather they turned to gang violence.

We went out and invited people to the church and they said things like “I have no clothes to wear” or “I haven’t been in a while” but they came when we said to them “You have a lot to offer and only you can help others.” I prayed with people and by building them up, they actually came to the church. GOD drew them back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to build people up because that person is a new temple.
• GOD wants me to build people up because HE wants to draw them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to build people up because my words will mimic HIS and be full of grace.

Building people up can only be done when I can appreciate how GOD has made me. If I don’t like how GOD made me then I will speak poorly about others. If I can understand that GOD was very pleased when HE made me, that HE understands my flaws and loves me anyway, then I can be excited about HIS people.

• Are you in the process of tearing people down or building them up?
• Do you see people as a threat or GOD’s workmanship?
• Can you stop spreading your poison about “those people” and begin building up the flock GOD has sent to you?

Mistaking My Kindness for Weakness

1 Chronicles 19: In the course of time, Nahash king of the Ammonites died, and his son succeeded him as king. ² David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father.

When David’s envoys came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to express sympathy to him, ³ the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, “Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Haven’t his envoys come to you only to explore and spy out the country and overthrow it?” ⁴ So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved them, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.

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¹⁴ Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to fight the Arameans, and they fled before him. 

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¹⁹ When the vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him.

So the Arameans were not willing to help the Ammonites anymore.

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Sitting in my office, I wondered how I was going to get the work done with the resources I had available to me. A peer came to my cubicle and tapped on the imaginary door. He proceeded to ask me to do some of his work. It was small and similar to what our team was doing so I agreed. Our team worked hard, but my peers’ extra load began to drag on and on so I went back to him and asked for more attention to “our” project.

He then said “It’s your project” as if he had nothing to do with it. Things looked bleak for a moment, but after talking to the team, they were willing to work a little harder. We finished all the work with a few minor adjustments and our team won an award. I truly appreciate their wonderful hearts.

• Sometimes I feel my kindness is viewed as weakness.
• Sometimes I feel my kindness is supposed to yield to bullying tactics.
• Sometimes I feel my kindness is taken and trampled by those who aren’t appreciative.

Yes, I know I should not be looking for rewards here on earth. GOD clearly says if I seek a pat on my back, I would get it as my reward instead of getting a reward in heaven from HIM. But HE also said “Do not cast your pearls before swine.” As a follower of CHRIST I need to watch HIS example carefully.

• JESUS served those in need and recognized those who were blatantly against HIM.
• JESUS never sought credit but recognized the Churchy people who blew HIM off.
• JESUS was not afraid to serve someone who acted different than HE did and recognized those who served by exclusion.

The recognition JESUS had of the Pharisees and Sadducees wasn’t good. In fact HE called them a den of vipers. HE wants me to serve with my eyes wide open and perhaps stop serving those who rob and steal from people. HE still wants me to show kindness to those HE delivers to me, but I must obey HIM rather than chasing human approval.

• Are you chasing those who can never be pleased?
• Do people mistake your kindness for weakness?
• Can you say “no” to people to avoid burn-out?
• Won’t you ask GOD to open your eyes to those HE wants you to serve and those you can say “no” to?

Seek to be kind

2 Samuel 9: ³ The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?”

Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.”

⁴ “Where is he?” the king asked.

Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

⁵ So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.

⁶ When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.

David said, “Mephibosheth!”

“At your service,” he replied.

⁷ “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

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Kindness has been shown to me in various forms for many years. From a scout leader who tirelessly gave his time to us to the many bosses who stuck their neck out for me. One thing I noticed about them is they didn’t ask they just did.

• GOD wants me to seek moments in which I can be kind to someone.
• GOD wants me to actively pursue people to be kind to.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice a vacation or some “me” time to be kind to someone.

Being kind takes time and thought, but not always. Sometimes it is something as small as holding a door for someone or placing their newspaper near their door or smiling at them. The kind part is seen by the person who has done nothing to deserve the act. Hopefully I am ready to tell them why I do these things.

• I am kind because GOD is kind to me.
• I am kind because GOD can use the kindness to draw people to HIM.
• I am kind because GOD says “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Kindness should never be mistake for weakness. In fact it takes strength to show kindness in a humble way not expecting anything in return. Being kind is exactly what GOD wants from me.

• Are you full of complaints?
• Do you expect to get and never to give?
• Should you be kind to the person who isn’t?
• Won’t you show someone kindness today for the purpose of drawing them closer to GOD?

Another prayer for you

Ephesians 3: ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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• I pray that we understand GOD has grace that covers any sin, past and present.
• I pray that those who doubt can focus their attention on what GOD is doing rather than the current situation.
• I pray about those who are worried about finances that they may focus on GOD’s riches and believe HE is in control of the situation.
• I pray for fortitude in our beings that we may persevere through life’s difficulties.

I pray that all who read this know just how much GOD really loves them. amen

Weak weapons Strong weapons

2 Corinthians 12: ²⁰ For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

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“Keep a level head,” “Treat people as you want them to treat you,” “Slow down when situations are escalating,” “Don’t stoop to low levels, take the high road” are amongst the many words of advice my mentors have given me throughout the years. As they watched me grow so did my career.

But the people they warned me about in some advice given, got on my nerves. I mean they deserved a few slanderous words and “when I take over I would get rid of them,” I thought to myself. Was I becoming like them?

• Discord and jealousy get me nowhere but in trouble.
• Fits of rage and self-ambition put me on an island that no one wants to be on.
• Slander and gossip are tools for the weak and when I use them it takes away my strength.
• Arrogance and disorder are the result of losing my cool and using weak weapons.

It takes strength not to fall to “that” person’s level and I have failed at that over and over again. When I do, I don’t want my mentors watching me. It seems like things get in a mess and situations begin popping up all over the place. BUT GOD gave me different weapons to use.

• GOD gave me “prayer” which is an open door to come to HIM with any situation I’m in.
• GOD gave me “faith” to be used when my selfish ambitions get in the way.
• GOD gave me “promises” that if I serve others HE would reward me abundantly, if not in this life then in the next.
• GOD gave me “love” to be dished out on those I want to slander so I can see the example HIS SON did for me.

“But they are acting a fool” I thought to myself. GOD says “Follow MY gently, faithful, kind, merciful, loving ways and you will always be fine. “I guess I better get back on the high road and not let them take me down” was the thought that set my course straight.

• Is someone getting on your nerves?
• Do you feel rage building up just thinking about “that” person?
• Can you slow your thoughts down enough to see and hear GOD’s ways?
• Won’t you listen to HIM and show “that” person some love?

Does the Bible say “Forgive AND Forget?”

2 Corinthians: ⁷ Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. ⁹ Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

¹⁰ Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,

¹¹ in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

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Way back in third grade I had a fight that I didn’t start. I remember. Also one time there was a bully who tried to beat me up. I remember. Oh yes I remember the hoods who robbed me and I remember the stuff “those” people did to me.  How can I “forget” what they did?

• The longer I hold on to past issues the harder it is to forgive.
• The more I replay the malefaction in my mind the harder it is to forgive.
• The more comfortable I feel being a victim the harder it is to forgive.

I asked myself “where in the world the Bible says to “forget” the sin someone has committed towards me” and I honestly couldn’t find it. The Bible does tell me over and over to forgive. Satan wants me to replay the problem over and over so I will continue to be mad and hold a grudge.

• Forgiveness is a conscious act of mercy and both parties are well aware of the issue.
• Forgiveness is an action that enables me to release the plight of living in the past.
• Forgiveness is a weapon I can use against Satan’s attack to drive “us” apart.

GOD forgets the sins I have done.  In fact HE removes my sin as far as the east is from the west. HE says “I will remember their sins no more” as HE pours out HIS love on me. This is great! I mean I am truly forgiven and GOD doesn’t walk around pouting and waiting on me to make a mistake.

I still remember the sins others have committed but GOD wants me to not dwell on the past. Forgive the person as an action and time will help me forget.

• Can you forgive “that” person?
• Will you look at forgiveness as an act of mercy?
• Even if the person will not own up to the issue, can you be bigger and forgive them?
• Can you use forgiveness as a weapon against the divisive attack on you?

GOD’s definition of love

1 Corinthians 13: ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.5 6 7 

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Is “Love” a feeling or an action? This thought crossed my mind as I read the passage so I did a “Love inventory” and found my shelves to be empty. I mean I enjoy “feeling” loved when GOD dishes out these things to me, but am I showing others the same? Probably not.

• Let me check my inventory:
• Patience, I have slim to none.
• Kindness, I could use a lot of work here.
• Envy, I have plenty of that.
• Boasting, I’m the best!
• Pride, check out my awards.
• Dishonor others, just cross me and see.
• Self-seeking, check out my lust list.
• Not easily angered, these words made me mad!
• Keeps no record of wrongs, I remember everything and they will pay!
• Does not delight in evil, and I was waiting for my enemy’s demise.
• Rejoices in truth, except when the truth is about me.
• Always protects, I throw people under the bus.
• Always trusts, I’m quite suspicious.
• Always hopes, I get nervous.
• Always perseveres, I give up!

When I look at what GOD expects me to show others I get quite embarrassed. On a good day, I may show two or three of these qualities. HE always shows HIS love for me and uses this list consistently.  HE wants others not to reject this list and turn towards HIM.

HE forgives and takes my sin and throws it away. HE has been extremely patient with me and always protects me, always is faithful, always delivers and always perseveres through difficulty. GOD loves me and wants me to show love to others.

• Have you taken a “Love inventory?”
• Do you think your “provision” or “intellect” or “financial status” is showing GOD’s love?
• Can you recalibrate your love to add more of HIS type of love?
• Can you forgive yourself long enough to show others this type of love?

GOD doesn’t have poison ears!

John 4: ²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

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“Hello, how is your day going?” someone said to me. But this wasn’t any old “someone,” it was a very crafty person who had said some nasty things in the past. “I wonder what they meant by that?” I thought to myself. For the rest of the day I went around with my guards higher than ever. Everyone was a suspect and every word was scrutinized.

• When I have been hurt poison can enter my heart.
• When my heart has poison in it then my tongue will produce venom.
• When my heart has poison in it then my ears listen for poison.

Some people just can’t do or say anything right. Ask my family and they will tell you! When my ears are listening for something poison I will find it. I guess it stems from being a leader in a poisonous environment. Or perhaps it comes from hurt from the past. Maybe it’s just that the person is taking a dig at me, either way, my ears will pick up the words and the fight is on.

• GOD wants me to be ready to show grace at all times otherwise I won’t be shown grace.
• GOD wants me to listen to people without my prejudice filters.
• GOD wants me to hear “beyond” the words that are said so that I can pray earnestly for that person.

Forgiveness, grace and mercy don’t come easily from me. When I have my mind set that the “opposition” is a schemer and not worth my time, I put my defense mechanism up and capture their words as being poison. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong isn’t good enough for GOD.

JESUS listened to the Samaritan woman without the prejudice of race or gender. HE knew she was a sinner and listened with the intent to heal her no matter what she said. That’s hard for me to do, but quite possible. Let “it” go or pray or just ignore the statement while throwing the harmful words into the “forget about it” pile are ways to overcome my judgmental ears.

I must view the person like GOD views them, namely “forgiven.” Yes I should be wise as serpents BUT GOD also says be harmless as doves.

• Are you blaming someone?
• Can “that” person say or do anything right?
• Are you quick to judge some people because of your hurt?
• Won’t you let your guards down a little to see the other person needs GOD as much as you?
• Can you ask GOD to clean your heart so your words and “thoughts” will be pure?

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.

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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?

JESUS laughed!

Luke 10: ²¹ At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

   ²² “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

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Sometimes I think JESUS is this stiff serious person who walks around with this airy voice saying impossible statements that only HE could keep. I mean HE is GOD, of course HE wouldn’t sin! But I seldom look at the human side of JESUS.

• JESUS got excited when HE saw Satan defeated and HIS humans were saved from eternal separation.
• JESUS got excited when HE made humans with free will to choose.
• JESUS got excited when HE made me.

I can see it now, JESUS screaming “Yeah!” and praising the FATHER for saving the people who chose to follow HIM with free will. HE gets excited when I faithfully follow HIM with perseverance and excitement.

I believe JESUS has a wonderful sense of humor. If you don’t believe that, just look at me. ALL things, ALL matters, ALL situations have been committed to JESUS. That’s something to get excited about.

• Do you begin your day with “purpose” in mind?
• Are you focused on being excited for GOD?
• Do you realize Satan has already been defeated and cannot eternally harm anyone who believes in the SON?

Want to embrace “greatness?”

Mark 12:  ²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

   ²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

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Many times I have wanted that promotion or that highly visible project so I could bask in the spotlight when I achieved the goal. I loved receiving awards and I achieved a lot of them.  There is something about the spotlight that made me feel “great.”

• GOD is not impressed with the awards I achieve rather the people I serve.
• GOD is not concerned if I get earthly pats on the back rather HE looks at how I pat others on the back.
• GOD is not moved when I achieve another award given by humans rather HE dotes on how I worship HIM with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

For some reason I began looking for that great feeling each year. I wanted to receive another award and be recognized as being the greatest. BUT GOD has another definition of what great is. HE simply wants me to love.

• Loving GOD with all my heart means getting rid of the foul thoughts my heart dreams up.
• Loving GOD with all my soul means depending on HIM for eternal salvation.
• Loving GOD with all my mind means guiding my intellect to follow HIM and HIS decisions.
• Loving GOD with all my strength means giving up the fight with HIM and leveraging HIS strength to fight my battles.

To love GOD is to love other people. Any act of kindness I can show others, no matter how small, is “great” in GOD’s eyes.

• Are you trying to achieve greatness in human terms?
• Do you want to be recognized for your efforts?
• Will you try filling that void in your heart by serving others today?

How to make love to your neighbors

2 John 1: ⁵ And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

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Love has always been a very confusing topic to me. The term has been used for sex, political stances and minimal pleasures. “Let’s make love” was the sex talk way back when, “Make love not war” were on signs held up in protest of the nation going to war and “I love this movie or candy bar” is an example of indulgence.

• Lust can never fill the hole that’s in my heart.
• Politics can never satisfy my craving of being wanted and needed.
• Food, hobbies, sports and entertainment is only temporary and too much of a good thing becomes boring.

Let’s face it, people are difficult to “love” the way GOD defines love because they are so different. They have different opinions than I do; they look, smell and act differently. They have different amounts of money and were raised differently. Their problems are different than mine and they would never understand what I’m going through.

• GOD wants me to “Love” people as an act not a feeling.
• GOD wants me to “plan” my love for people who are difficult for me to love.
• GOD wants me to “sacrifice” getting my way some of the time in order to show love.

I guess it’s all in how I view people.  When I look at people from a selfish perspective then they are always wrong and I am always right, but when I look at people through GOD’s eyes, I can only see a need for compassion.

GOD sees how pitiful I am, yet HE died for me and now that HE has been raised by the FATHER, I can share in HIS eternal love. This one act of unconditional love helps me drop my guard in loving others. To serve is to love and to love is to serve.

• Do you feel loved?
• Can you show someone what GOD’s love looks like?
• Will you serve someone who does not deserve to be served today?

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.

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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 don’t like (insert race) and I don’t like (insert spouse’s name)!

Colossians 3:  ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

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This morning I sat in front of the keyboard trembling, knowing the message was clear but it is just something that has to be said. Racism and hatred are alive and well and you and I are the blame and the cure. Not only has the country divided, but the world has developed chasms between other humans that seem to be impossible to span.

Marriages are crumbling at a rapid rate while churches pick and choose who they serve. I have had so many discussions about marital issues over the past few weeks that are very disheartening meanwhile the news and other media continues to belch out racism. It’s funny how similar the problems are between marital issues and racism.

• Races and spouses want their way.
• Races and spouses blame others for the current issues in their lives.
• Races and spouses don’t do the right things when it comes to reconciliation so issues perpetuate.

This problem seems to be huge! What am I supposed to do? GOD chose me to say this message and HE has made me holy and loves me dearly.

• I must clothe myself with compassion – GOD’s compassion doesn’t see race or wrong.
• I must clothe myself with kindness – GOD’s kindness goes above and beyond helping people who are easy to help.
• I must clothe myself with humility – GOD’s humility understands that I am the only one I need to control, not my spouse or another race.
• I must clothe myself with gentleness – GOD’s gentleness always seeks reconciliation.
• I must clothe myself with patience – GOD’s patience overlooks the same issues with me for a lifetime and HE expects me to do the same for other humans.

Bearing with others and forgiving others isn’t easy. GOD certainly doesn’t care who wronged who first because I wronged HIM first and HE died in my place. Churches make expansion plans while families make vacation plans both trying to isolate themselves from the world. BUT GOD wants me to mix it up and treat people as HE would treat me, with love and unity.

• Is your marriage crumbling?
• Do you have strong relationships between all races?
• What is it about your spouse or that race that bothers you?
• Can you let GOD change you in a way that you serve others no matter if they are flat out wrong?

Love and Kindness

Love and kindness overcomes all evil.
A kind word is like honey to the bones.
To receive instruction is better than silver.
And knowledge is better than gold.