James 2:8 NLT
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
I’ve been trying to post an encouraging word on Facebook since we face an unprecedented situation with this virus. So I’ll occasionally scroll the feed, and I come across some posts that say something to the effect of “I treat people the way that I am treated.” or something like, “If you want my respect, then give respect.”
And I see a lot of “Likes” and “Hearts” for this type of post.
Is this the way we are to interact with those around us?
Again as with everything in the Bible, there are no gray areas; the Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
When we interact with people this way, we put ourselves in a rigid frame of mine. We are conditional in our response to others.
A Christian’s responses should always come from a place of love and compassion despite the other person’s demeanor.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
My responses changed when I realized the weight of this verse and realized that I didn’t have to defend my stance.
And my offense became love. I didn’t have to change the other person, and then I understood that it wasn’t my job to do that, it was God’s.
God is in the process of changing the world around me in His time, not mine. My part in all of this is to “Love God and Love others.”
I love God by obeying His Word, and I love others by being patient in the process and compassionate to their needs even if I don’t understand them.
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
When I do this, I experience the fruits of the Spirit.
When I feel myself out of line with the fruits of the Spirit, I go to God with this and ask Him to help me with my thinking.
Matthew 5:43-48 NLT
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Thinking and acting in this manner is acting in the will of God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy.
Help me bestow this same grace and mercy to those around me.
I pray that I remain submitted to Your will and that my thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words glorify You.
Thank You for Your Word, a constant reminder that helps me stay focused on You and Your beautiful promises.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
