When we become Christians, we become a new creation. We all have a filthy past that has at some point brought us and the people we love shame. We are sinners, but before we ever sinned, Christ died for us. He knew our nature was to be selfish, but he gave in to an excruciating death on our behalf anyway.
Because of this death that Christ took on our behalf, we are able to flee from that life of selfishness, lust, bitterness and greed.
Because of Christ's death for me, "I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". Galatians 2:20
As Christians, we are called to be set apart. We are called to love the unloveable and to forgive the unforgivable. For it is not in our own power that we are able to do this, but in the power of Christ Jesus. Instead of wasting our days mocking others, or trying to make their days miserable, we are called to lift them up and encourage them.
Our years on this Earth are so short. And we are unaware of the day God will call each of us home. So I ask myself-- what will I do with my short years to make a difference in eternity? How will I play my part in extending the Kingdom of God?
I want to learn to love people the way that Christ loves me.
Love is such a simple word, used over and over in this life-- but do we really show love when it truly matters? It is easy to love those who love us first. It is easy to love those who make life easier on us. It is easy to love precious, innocent children. But do we love the people who have hurt us and showed nothing but disrespect to us? Do we love those who make our lives miserable and who spit in our face?
All people love the lovable, but it takes the power of Christ in our lives to love the unloveable.
Remember, Christ died for those men and women who spat upon him, mocked him, slashed his back, and nailed him to a cross. That is what real love looks like.
The Bible teaches what is important in this life. "There are three things that will endure-- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Jesus showed love to the people who were most undeserving. There is no time and no room in our lives to hold grudges and not forgive others. It doesn't matter what someone has done to us, if we claim the name of Christ, we are commanded to forgive them. Bitterness does nothing to the other person, but it will eat us alive inside and keep us from living a life to the full that Christ called each one of us to live.
Who do you need to forgive or encourage today? Their time on Earth as well as ours is too short. Don't wait until it is too late.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you". Ephesians 4:31-32
