Do we love people who are different from us?
I’m amazed at how God is such an artist.
Take a look at our world. He has created color and texture and movement. All so different, and yet all handcrafted by him.
What if we looked at people in the same way?
Instead of “different,” I’d see shades of color painted by God himself. I’d see textures and personalities and little nuances, where God revealed his talent.
Our world is a little ugly right now. We see our differences and we label something God considers good as “less than,” or even “better than.” That was never part of the plan — not until sin entered.
[bctt tweet=”What if we made it to the end of our lives and only loved those who loved us back? #livingfreetogether #ComeWithMe #SpiritLedHeart https://wp.me/p4jbdw-3dO” username=”suzanneeller”]
The root of this conflict is the inability to love someone different from ourselves. That invites me, as someone who follows Christ, to look to Him for answers.
What Jesus says about love forces me to ask hard questions. The answers aren’t always what I hope they might be, but they open the door to honest evaluation and tangible change.
These questions aren’t just powerful for believers, but for all of us.
• Do I only surround myself with people who think like me, act like me, or believe like me?
• Do I say I love people who are different from me, but never invite them around the kitchen table?
• Do I love first and judge second?
• Before pointing out another’s sin, is it with the realization that I have sinned and been forgiven?
• Is there a person or group of people different from me (because of race, socioeconomics, ethnicity, culture, religion, politics, or any other difference) that I know little about and yet feel strongly?
As a faith-filled woman and a disciple of Christ, I want to grapple with these questions and with the help of the Holy Spirit, let love lead.
Oh Suzie. This is beautiful. Powerful. Timely. Thank you for these words.
Love, love, love this post, dear Suzie. I’d never read that quote from Charles Lee before, but I don’t think it can be said better. Thank you for the reminder to always LOVE first. Not judge. <3
I am really glad you posted a second one today, Suzie. Thank you. These are such important questions that need our honest, soul searching, prayerful responses.
These are such insightful questions. If I’m honest with myself, then I must admit that I’ve got some changing to do! Thank you for posting this.
Yes! Matthew 5:46 God is exposing the self-righteous hearts of the Christian community, just as much as the apostate ones. Self-examination! That’s the best way to keep our hearts sensitive enough to love our enemies or those who offend, harm or reject us. Search ME, O God! We all fall short of the glory of God -and we all need His grace and mercy. We can’t read the hearts of people – and we can’t foresee the plans God has for them. So how can we condemn them or say they are too far fallen for God’s power? We’ve built towers of self righteousness – with borrowed bricks and mortar. I feel God is using all of these things to penetrate the hearts of the Church. We need humility – love – and repentance. Oh Father – forgive us. “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” Luke 17:1 BSB
Oh boy. Just when I thought I was going to have a much needed thoughtless night… I read this. It’s all too easy to love the ones we love. Thanks for this thought provoking post. I’ll be sharing it.
As a Christian writer, I have tried to always present the truth of the gospel to the best that I can and not enter into politics nor have I ever tried to be politically correct when proclaiming the truth of the gospel. The tragedy in Orlando on 6/12/2016 caused me to feel helpless and grieved over where our world and our nation are at this time. Some many tragedies from hate and division. We seem to be a nation divided by race, by religion, and by ethnicity with little hope being presented to change this. Have we who are Christians failed to represent Christ as so beautiful that we could draw others to Him? Have I failed to proclaim His Love in a way that others would hear and desire Him – See more at: https://www.myglorytoglory.com/christianblog/is-there-any-hope-when-hate-and-terror-reigns.html#sthash.2hDCmnfu.dpuf
Beautiful thought provoking article and honestly something I struggle with. God is definitely working in this area of my life. I pray I always love first and stop judging all together.