I am often challenged by people to not love them. You know what I mean! Those who think their job is to criticize every move you make. They are the “devils” advocate they say. Well, quit!!!! God commands me to love you, so quit trying to make me not. You know, don’t you? You have a few “fellow believers” like that, I know you do. So what do you do? How do you react? LOVE. Drown them in love. That is what God is telling you they need.
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
What if, when your favorite agitator shows up, instead of being combative, you responded in love? I wonder if, over time, you could change an attitude for the better and make someone’s life more meaningful? The key to a really successful church family is love. People need the Lord more than anything else in their lives. The best way to show them Jesus, is to show them love. Learn to look at those who “are hard to get along with” as love projects. Find ways to do random acts of kindness for them. Send them a special gift of candy or flowers or maybe a certificate for a nice restaurant. Invest in their happiness, even at the expense maybe of some of yours.
Our church is filled with people who have been hurt or disillusioned. They are wondering if God is real, or if this Christian stuff is real. They have become estranged from the body and are alone and in need of someone, anyone, to show up and offer them the gift of love. Will you become a gift giver today? I hope you will.
Prayer: Father, I know that there are hurting people within our church. Show me at least one of them who I can reach out the hand of friendship and love. Help me put aside my own comfort and convenience and be your love in action to them, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
