When was the last time you were in a conversation with someone and judgment and criticism of them consumed your thoughts? Maybe you have different viewpoints and you just didn’t see eye-to-eye. Maybe you were with someone who is so far from God that it seemed you could do or say nothing to change it. Have you ever thrown your hands up and said, “This one is on you God”?
While there are times we need to “give up and let God,” this is often an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak through us. In John 13:34-35 Jesus states, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
On Tuesday we discussed our commitment to God. What you may not realize is that when we make a commitment to God we’re letting Him know that we are making a commitment to His people. That commitment is evidence by our actions when we become more like Christ and show grace, unconditional love, acceptance, forgiveness, faithfulness, and tenderheartedness. Even when we don’t agree with a person’s lifestyle, views, or past we are called to be committed to each and every person we meet.
What is most difficult about being committed to God’s people? When was the last time someone showed you God’s grace instead of throwing their hands up? What can you do to be a light to those who are “hard to love”?
Find some quiet time and write down the names of 3-5 people you struggle to love in this way. Pray over the names on the list and ask God to reveal where you’re lacking in commitment to His people. Ask God to guide you as you become more like Christ for the sake of others. Pray for His Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you. Take about 15 minutes and be still in The Lord.