Loving Others No Matter What - Be Known for What We're For, Not Just Against

 I’m going to lead off with a fudgesicle. Yes, as I was on my way to mail the last lessons, the ice cream man was coming and I had to buy one.

God uses little things like that to encourage us. We all have different things that remind us of simpler times, show us there’s good in the world, or just make us feel better. He values us and understands what we need, sometimes before we do.

You can ponder many attributes of God from that – His love, omniscience, sovereignty, etc.. But I mentioned my next subject would be our priorities – how that that fit?

It’s all about putting others first. Remember that time Dolly said “Jeffy’s not closin’ his eyes when we pray”? The problem there isn’t just hypocrisy. When we pray, we should focus on God, of course, since we are taking needs to Him. So, we shouldn’t worry about what others are doing when something more important is going on.

We showed before that – masked or not – a kid sitting alone, one crying over something,  etc. have the same needs inside. We can take that one step further, too. Whether or not a person is masked or vaccinated, they are people loved by God. Even if we think a decision is wrong, ultimately, we need to love anyone like Jesus would. And, man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.(1 Sam. 16:7)

The first priority is always ensuring a person is saved. You don’t always have to right away, but you might. A friend once stopped by a motorcycle accident. She shared the Gospel right away in case the victim died. (I forget if he did but she led him to Christ.) Even if not that close to death, at times you only get one chance with a person and the Spirit leads you to share. (Remember how? The ABC’s of salvation. Admit you’re a sinner, Believe Jesus Christ, God in flesh, died for your sins and rose from the dead, and Call on Him to save you, Confessing your sins and inviting Him to live in you and make you new inside.)

That’s where, the closer you are to God, the more experienced you’ll be at hearing His still, small voice. My friend was a Sunday School teacher and prayer warrior. At times, you can let God work slowly. Sander got saved 2 years ago, after 32 years of knowing him. He is very intellectual and needed evidence like answered prayer, or my recovery and peace after I broke my leg. God will show you whether to go slow or fast; be sure to follow Him.

If bringing people to God & helping them grow in Him is top priority, of course we shouldn’t do things that lead them away. Making someone feel bad about their decisions can lead them away; this is why we’re told to edify one another. This means to build others up, like the edifice (structure) of a building. Some people don’t want to come to church; they’re afraid of being reminded of sin. They need loved on, not put down. 

“Wait,” you might say, “what if a decision is sin?” First, we’ve all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin. Plus, say a bully calls people names. They may listen to you if you say “that really hurt them” if you have been kind to them before. Still, even then, it’s better to suggest positive things like treating others with kindness and understanding. Remember, some come from homes with few kind words, so they don’t know how to be kind. They don’t have that concept in their minds. They need taught by loving, patient people. So, focus on good alternatives when you can.

Jesus says in Matthew “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” quoting Hosea 6:6. God doesn’t want mindless robots. He has always wanted others to receive His love and salvation willingly. We should be know for what we’re for, not just what we’re against. More on that next.