We’ve spent the last five weeks looking at the two greatest
commandments and examined how we can act these commandments out in our lives. Before
we can truly live them out, we need to learn one vital truth – we need to
understand love from God’s perspective.
For
God so loved the world, that he gave
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
In this
the love of God was made manifest
among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live
through him. 10 In
this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the
propitiation for our sins. 1 John
4:9-10 (ESV)
Who does “whosoever” include? The paper clip thief? The
politician (especially in the “other party?) The rapist? The child molester? The
liar? The murderer? Your friends? Your enemies? You?
Stop and think about those questions for a minute. You know
what your sins are. God saved you from them, and He expects you to
repent (turn away) and work each day to live a more godly life. Most people don’t
think they are “bad” sinners. They don’t group themselves with some of the
seedier people in our society, and think they are somehow “better”. Can you
find a passage in Scripture to support this way of thinking? Of course you can’t!
God sees the paper clip thief in the same light that He sees the axe murderer –
and you. So why aren’t we trying to love our enemies as sinners and
bring them into the family of God? Why does our pride keep us from loving as
Christ loved?
For there
is no distinction: 23 for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his
grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a
propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s
righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former
sins. Romans 3:22-25 (ESV)
For the
wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus
our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Who do you hate so
thoroughly that you want to see them in hell for eternity? If a person pops
to mind, you need to get on your knees and repent! Susie or Joe in the next
cubicle need Christ just as much as you and your family. If someone had not
loved you enough to show you that you needed a Savior, you’d be going to hell
as well. Instead, because of someone showing you unconditional, agape love, you
have received God’s free gift of eternal
life.
I pray you will join me and take some time in the next few
days to think about the people you dislike, find unbearable, can’t stand, and
even hate. Name them. Make a list if you need to. Once you have your list, take
those people to God’s throne. He put them in your path so you could show the
unconditional love of Christ. Their presence is not an unhappy accident. It’s a
God-given opportunity for personal growth – and for sharing the Gospel. I am
making a pledge – will you join me:
Just for this moment, with God’s help, I pledge:
I will treat others as I want to be treated;
I will refrain from harsh words and thoughts, and in their
place, will say a quick prayer;
I will not make passive aggressive statements or posts and
in their place will say a quick prayer;
I will pray for the one who speaks ill of me;
I will remember that those who act or speak unlovingly are
angry, or hurting, or need Christ – just like me.
I will remember that to some, I AM Christianity.
Just for the moment – with God’s help.
See you Wednesday!
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