2020 was a super bizarre year that we all had to navigate through blindly. It brought up feelings and thoughts we never had before. It stirred up injustice and anger in majority of us.
People who had always been cheerful and encouraging became harsh and easily frustrated. We all started to look at people differently.
And while we were all worried about Covid infecting us, something else entirely was beginning to poison us.
Hatred.
Judgement. Anger. Frustration. Aggression. Lack of tolerance.
And it started to show.
I began to notice this hatred in everyone around me and even in myself.
Now, I believe that some of this anger is righteous and warranted, most definitely. But it began to seep into our total outlook and view of people.
While we were only supposed to be frustrated with certain people, we allowed this hatred to taint our view of almost everybody. Especially people who don’t view things the exact same way we do.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35
another versions says
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
Jesus said that our love is how people will know that we are his disciples!
We are infected with hatred, meanwhile we are supposed to prove to the world that we are Christians by how we love.
We love others despite their beliefs, political affiliation, sin, appearance or actions.
It may be hard sometimes, because sometimes we are angry for good reasons. But it is never okay to hate others. We represent the opposite of hate. Do not let it infect you!
Because, in the end, we all need Jesus. We might be the only “Jesus” that people see. And our love for others is what makes it known that you are Christian and Jesus-follower.
You don’t have to like others, but you do have to love them.
Response Questions
1. Do you notice hatred, anger or judgement in yourself for other people? Who and why?
2. How can you work on loving others instead of disliking/hating them?
Pray with me!
Father God, forgive me for the hatred in my heart. I place it in your hands and I give it to you. I don’t want to judge or hate others. Help me to love others like you do. Purify my heart. Give me eyes to see people like you do moving forward. I want people to see that I’m a Christian by how I love everyone around me. Thank you for your perfect love.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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