‘The example our Lord gave us here [ 1 John 1:7] is not that of
a good person, or even of a good Christian, but of God Himself. “. . . be
perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” In other words, simply show
to the other person what God has shown to you. And God will give you plenty of
real life opportunities to prove whether or not you are “perfect, just as your
Father in heaven is perfect.” Being a disciple means deliberately identifying
yourself with God’s interests in other people. Jesus says, “A new commandment I
give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love
one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love
for one another” (John 13:34-35).’
CHAMBERS
Do you know someone that rubs you the wrong
way? It may be their personality, maybe
they are insensitive to others, demanding, self-focused, … you can add to the
list … and they are a Christian. You
dread being around them. That is one of
those ‘real life opportunities’ that Chambers is referring to. That feeling of dread is not spiritual discernment
and it is not from God. Our response to
others is not supposed to be conditional .. but we are to show the love of Jesus
to everyone.
‘Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how
often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus
said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times
seven.’ (Matthew 18:21-23)
It is that attitude that we are supposed to have
towards others. We really have no excuse
for treating others poorly .. for harboring an attitude towards them … and
certainly not encouraging others to think the same of them. We are supposed to show grace and mercy to
others .. in the same way that God has shown grace and mercy toward us. Of
course, everyone will not be your best friend, but we must show everyone the
love of Christ … just like He loves us.. ‘What
does the Lord require of you? But to do justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God.’ (Micah 6:8)
Are you thinking of someone as you read this. Pray for them and ask the Lord to help you
love them .. just like He does … and let your light shine.
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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