Be Loving
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
If we want to live a life that honors God, we need to be loving. This verse makes it clear by saying, “Above all, love each other deeply.†This is easier said than done because many people have personalities that just don’t seem to mesh with ours.
It is easy to be loving in a general sense. “I just love everyone.†It is another thing altogether to love someone who rubs you the wrong way. Have you ever been in a relationship with another believer who gets on your nerves? You know they have been saved; they have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, but they are just not your cup of tea.
Early in my ministry, I thought that when God called me to another church, it would be a blessing because I wouldn't have to deal with that person who was a thorn in my flesh. I was so excited, until I met them again! They had a different face, but it was like God said, “I'm not through with you; you will need to sort this out until you get it together.â€
Have you ever wondered why God keeps putting some of the same personalities in your life? He does this to knock off some of the rough edges in your life that don't look like Jesus. We need to realize that God's greatest tools to help us mature in the faith are people who rub us the wrong way.
That is why the Scripture is saying, “Be loving.†You don't just love the people who compliment you or who make you laugh. You don’t just love those who give you joy or help you in your walk with Christ. You love everyone because that’s what Jesus did. He commanded us to do likewise.
If we want to live a life that honors God, we need to be loving. This verse makes it clear by saying, “Above all, love each other deeply.†This is easier said than done because many people have personalities that just don’t seem to mesh with ours.
It is easy to be loving in a general sense. “I just love everyone.†It is another thing altogether to love someone who rubs you the wrong way. Have you ever been in a relationship with another believer who gets on your nerves? You know they have been saved; they have had an encounter with Jesus Christ, but they are just not your cup of tea.
Early in my ministry, I thought that when God called me to another church, it would be a blessing because I wouldn't have to deal with that person who was a thorn in my flesh. I was so excited, until I met them again! They had a different face, but it was like God said, “I'm not through with you; you will need to sort this out until you get it together.â€
Have you ever wondered why God keeps putting some of the same personalities in your life? He does this to knock off some of the rough edges in your life that don't look like Jesus. We need to realize that God's greatest tools to help us mature in the faith are people who rub us the wrong way.
That is why the Scripture is saying, “Be loving.†You don't just love the people who compliment you or who make you laugh. You don’t just love those who give you joy or help you in your walk with Christ. You love everyone because that’s what Jesus did. He commanded us to do likewise.
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Building Men Over MembershipsActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Encouraging Others?Strengthening BelieversSalvation Is SimpleCounterfeit TeachingBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardCommitting Others To ChristSharing Your StoryTaking the Time To BlessPraying for UnbelieversA Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementAre You Confessed Up To Date?Fighting Self-Sufficiency With PrayerBe Responsible for Your ChildrenJesus Is Standing with You The Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentAligned PrayersPraying with PowerDealing with ProblemsHandling Stress
February
Come and SeeA Childlike FaithDon’t Miss OutWhy Support Israel?Praying For IsraelHow To Honor GodResisting EvilThe Lord Encourages UsJesus Is the AuthorityGod ProvidesLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureA Heart of RepentanceSharing Your FaithSubmitting to God’s WillSecure in Your IdentityHow Are You Filled?God Is All-SufficientJesus Is The Only WayPray, Just PrayNo Sin Is Too BigThe Purpose in PainFeed Your FaithStay in Love with JesusIt’s Only JesusRemember Who God IsGifts from the Holy SpiritThis World Is Not Your HomeBe Different
March
Admitting You Are WrongMoney Can’t Buy HappinessMy ConfidenceChanged by Christ Faith and UnderstandingDo Angels Exist?Falling at Jesus’ FeetBorn AgainThe Fullness of JesusExperiencing Christ’s FullnessThe Lord’s ProtectionPraying FriendsA Hand of BlessingBe StillYour Heavenly FatherBlessing Your ChildrenGod Is Our ProviderTime To StopSimply Follow ChristFathers Loving MothersEvery Knee Will BowWhen God Repeats HimselfThe Seven ChurchesTaking Up Your CrossMake Peace With GodGod Gives Free WillGod’s Healing PowerGo All in for ChristAbiding and RestingBelieving God’s WordWhat Hangs In The Balance Of Evangelism?
1 Comment
It is very hard to love the unloving. I know Jesus wants me to love them, though. I end up saying forgive them Lord for they know not what they are doing. And I ask Him to help me be more loving