Recently, I had the privilege of watching a dear friend in her new role as a pastor. I have watched her go back to school and faithfully struggle into the calling God has for her. Her passion for God and love of her congregation oozed out of her. Everything that took place that morning was about faith in Christ and loving well.
I left invigorated and reflective. She is a beautiful example of how to love others. Then this quote from Bob Goff caught my attention, “People will know your character by how well you love the people who creep you out the most.” First, it is funny. Second, it is so true. When I am surrounded by friends and family it is fairly easy to love well, but life has a way of putting people in our paths who challenge us. They grate on our nerves. They don’t do things the way we would. They don’t live in the same part of town. They belong to the other political party. I could go on.
Scripture tells us not only that love is patient and kind, but that love does really hard things.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35 NIV).
Love is challenging me. Most days go by and I don’t even consider the thought, “Am I loving well?” I spend much of my day absorbed in me, and ignoring anyone who creeps me out. I’m not proud of that. I feel like a wart has been exposed. God joyfully and wonderfully created each of us. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who cross my path and I ignore their existence. I don’t want to take the time, and honestly, I don’t want to be uncomfortable. To love well means becoming uncomfortable.
God is changing my heart and opening my eyes. I want to love like she loves. I want to love like God loves. I want to love those who creep me out. Would you allow God to do that for you? It is hard, but in a good way. I know my life will be fuller for it. Now to stop ignoring and become uncomfortable.
How has love challenged you? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.
A very long time ago , I learned that I could never be insulted or Offended. Once I taught my mind that, and felt that ,I believed That . Why , because I know in my whole mind , body, and spirit , that Jesus Christ died for all my faults , imperfections,and inequities——– and that I am forgiven —- that allows the Holy Spirit in me to Love ! I don’t mean to be rude ,Love is not rude ——-but I come off wrong to others because of my overbearing personality !
Gregge, I love your personality! It’s beautifully and wonderfully made. You are right. The more we are grounded in Christ’s love the less we are concerned with the world’s opinion.
Without God’s love I would be nothing.
Me too and I would have no understanding of what real love does.