God has been working these things in my heart and I hope that it will encourage all of you.
I was thinking about how challenging it is to love people who are so hurtful to me. Then I realized "WOW! That's exactly who Jesus told us to love!"
Matthew 5:43-48 says "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
It's all about loving those who don't love us; who don't treat us right! That's following Christ. Also, I've been processing the idea that we don't have to "like" everyone. I believe that is one of the lamest excuses we can give ourselves as Christians. God doesn't say "you can like some people and not others." No! He says LOVE!
Then I thought to myself what is this love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says "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."
That's what it's all about. I'm not perfect as my Heavenly Father is, but I want to live life the way He's called me to through His power - to love those who don't love me back.
