NKJV Matthew 5:44-45   44^ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Dear Friends,

How do you respond to the following statement? “The Bible calls us to love the unlovable.” Do you agree? The Scripture above calls Christians to do just that---love the UN-loveable! It is so easy to love those who love you back. But Jesus says that is a worldly standard for love. From the person who cuts you off in traffic to the friend who accidentally, (or on purpose), says something or does something to bring you much pain, Jesus calls us to react radically different than the world does! This is a hard mandate to be given! How can we possibly comply in order to give a ‘Christ-centered’ response? Here are a few simple steps to begin the process. First, and foremost, forgive the offense, (Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32)! Some people walk around for YEARS carrying the offense within their heart. The impact is bitterness, and a critical, unforgiving spirit! They limit their spiritual growth and the amount God is able to use them for His glory! Forgiveness is not so much for the offender as it is the OFFENDED!  Second, attempt to understand before trying to be understood! Having completed my doctorate in Christian clinical counseling, one of the most effective tools the course constantly encourages the counselor to develop is the skill of listening! Try to imagine the perspective of the offender and see the heart behind the words. Perhaps something they are going through could be motivating them to lash out. Sometimes the best response is NO verbal response---but prayer! Last, carefully and prayerfully speak the truth in love! This does not mean your words will lack a sharp point. Many times nothing is more unsettling than the truth! Be prepared for sharp responses from those you speak the truth to in love. Most times, people who hurt others have tough issues they are dealing with. 

Ultimately, God is the only One who can work with a person’s heart. He expects Christians to continue to extend patience and love as He does so. It is a good idea to have the Matthew Scripture marked in your Bible or written on 5” x 7” cards and posted in areas you can see when dealing with these hurtful situations! Hopefully, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we can change our ‘typical reaction,’ into a Christ-centered one!

                                                                                             GO and GROW with GOD,

                                                                                              Pastor Tim