Wednesday, August 23, 2023
I have always been comfortable around people who are often passed over and ignored by others in society—the downtrodden. The strangers to me were the seemingly normal people. Even though I was likely seen as seemingly normal myself, I saw a lot of things I didn't care for in their behaviors. The people I loved to be around knew they needed help, whereas, those who were strangers to me appeared to be living their lives, lying to themselves.
But God, in his wisdom, plants seeds that reflect the truth out to us. He places others whom we find frustrating in our paths, and then—as if in a mirror—we’re able to see our reflection in them.... And in that reflection, we see what we need to change.
My relationship with God is very personal, and after a few years of building and deepening my relationship with him through his Son, he began placing the instruction to assemble with other followers on my heart. I cried out to God, asking him to help me as I complained to him about my problems with people. He immediately let me know that the problem was not with them—it was me.
As I prayed, he reminded me that we love because he loved us first. He reminded me that he sent his only Son to die an excruciating death so that those who choose his plan for their salvation can be saved and returned to him. I could be a vessel for him to love—if only I would love all of his children, even those who are difficult to love or make me feel uncomfortable.
Luke 6:32
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!”
Jesus called me “friend” and asked me to love all of his Father's children. He asked me to call those whom I consider strangers, “friends.” Now I see his face when I look in their eyes, and he is glorified and honored in the reflection. Thank you, Father.
Acts 10:28-29
28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
Questions:
Are there some people you won’t associate with because they live differently than you do? What are your reasons for not associating with them? Are your reasons justified?
Next Steps:
Create two columns on a piece of paper. In one of the columns include things you do on a regular basis that make up your daily routine. In the other, include habits you’ve seen/heard other people do regularly that are different from your own.
Take a few minutes to consider if any of these “strange” behaviors bother you and analyze why that might be. Finally, consider ways you can appreciate the unfamiliar behavior even though it is different from your own.
Prayer:
Day 10 Prayer Focus - For Marriage and Family (Colossians 3:14)
Gracious God, you are the source of all good things and the giver of every perfect gift. I pray for the marriages in our communities today, that they may be filled with your spirit and your peace. Help spouses to love and respect each other with kindness and patience, and to build their relationship on you and your word. Teach them to seek you first in everything and to trust you with their challenges and decisions. May our marriages reflect your glory and grace. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
1 John 4:10-11
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.