Jesus warns us in the Bible that because we love Him there will be those in the world who will hate us. This relationship with the world, as Christians, is normal - but what about those who love us because of God's love shown to them through us?
Tonight, as I was being smothered by a group of four year olds, I wondered what made me so appealing to them. As I begin to think about it, God showed me that what these kids saw in me wasn't just my goofy and crazy personality, but the love that God projects through me as a Christian. These kids were attracted to me for the same reason I am attracted to God: His unconditional love.
Have you ever noticed that the more love you show to a kid, the more they want to be around you? Many times, the most appealing thing about someone is the love that they share. I've noticed that I am most attracted to those who openly share God's love. As Christians, we are told to love everyone no matter what. I truly believe that the unconditional love that we share is what attracts others to Christ.
Our commandment to love others no matter what is not an easy one though. Matthew 5:39-40 tells us to turn the other cheek when someone slaps us, and to give our coat too if we are sued for our shirt! This type of behavior expresses exactly how we are to love others, unconditionally, just like God loves us! (For those who think that by loving others in this way is useless and won't get you anywhere, take a look at Proverbs 25:21-22!)
All in all, as Christians, we are always going to have a love/hate relationship with the world. There will be plenty of people who will hate us, but as long as we continue to show God's love to them, the love God provides will always outweigh the world's hate.
Do you show everyone God's love? As you go through your day, remember to show God's love to everyone, not just those who show you love, and constantly remind yourself that God's love shown through you is exactly what attracts people to Christ.
3 comments:
Wow...amen to that brother, I am so touched and encouraged to love others, even when it's result may not seem as comfortable to me sometimes, but God loves us unconditionaly regardless of whether people will love Him back yes? For He is love, and He initiates it. This is what actually attracts us to Him in the first place.
May the Lord continue to show His love through you my brother.
In Him,
~Lawrence~
COLLIN,
I really needed to hear that today, Thanks! Sometimes I lose sight of what's really important and get upset that I've let God down yet again; the unconditional love he has for us is so amazing and inspiring it truly leaves me speechless! I'm so thankful for mentors like yourself that let God's word flow thru them in such a way, and that you share it with all us in ways we can understand and relate! so again, THANK U!
I just wanted to let you know that when you skip days I strangely get sad.. but I understand :) I'm sure adventure week drains all your energy.
"Keep Inspiring Collin"
God bless,
~ a friend
Hey Collin! I haven't had much time recently to read all your posts (which makes me sad since I love them so much), but I definitely needed to hear that one today. There are some people I don't turn my other cheek to, and that I don't show love for unconditionally, and thats definitely something I need to give up to God. God is using you in so many ways, keep up the awesome work! Your sister in Christ,
-MB
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