“What if the only example of God’s love your neighbor will ever see is you?”
~Pastor Shawn Whitworth~
For Christians and non-Christians alike, loving a neighbor or another human being can be difficult at times. We are humans, after all, with egos, steadfast opinions, self-righteousness, fearfulness and unwarranted condemnation that allow us to flow along with inappropriate behavior toward others rather than love unconditionally.
During Easter week, I am reminded that Christ died for our sins and gave us eternal grace and love, no matter who we are, no matter our sins. There are no conditions or stipulations to his grace and love. It is a gift, one that Jesus hoped we would embrace and follow during our lifetime.
I have met a number of people in my life who are difficult to love. They have had different opinions, different personalities, different perspectives and sometimes were simply not nice in their behavior. I never confronted the differences, but often would stay silent or walk away from the relationship. I was never good at having a “diplomatic” conversation or understanding how I could show love to that person without having to agree with them. I struggle with this even today, but I do understand and try to practice love in my heart, if nothing else.
It’s easy to show love to people you care about, but it’s another to show love toward the always crabby neighbor, the negative co-worker, the in-law or family member who likes to stir the pot, or the acquaintance who lives a completely different lifestyle. It’s easy using current cultural “norms,” prejudices or definitions on which to base love, but the harder path of unconditional love is what Christian faith truly desires.
When you step out of your home this week and beyond, ensure that your neighbors see a reflection of Jesus’ love and grace in you, and for non-Christians, a reflection of your own loving God or a positive, spiritual being. Don’t be the crabby or unforgiving neighbor, but rather the one that knows grace and gives it willingly to others. You may be like me and struggle with this in some circumstances, but even I can acknowledge people’s value with a smile, a wave and a wish that they have a great and marvelous day. Big or small, your actions of love can change the neighborhood one person and one step at a time.
Allow someone or something mightier than you to guide your heart. Be visible in love always.
This post has been brought to you by neighborly love and Linda Hill’s One-Liner Wednesday. If you are wondering what One-Liner Wednesday is all about, CLICK HERE.
Linda G. Hill is the Queen of One-Liners and rules over her kingdom of followers. Check out today’s post and commit yourself to join the Queen’s one-liner army because there’s no fighting or blood, only comradery and fun with words.
This is a wonderful message, Mary and the perfect time to remind us of it. Not only is Easter coming, but the world needs this kind of behavior, now, more than ever. Like you, I shy away from confrontation, but you can show love.
And excellent message
Thanks Beth. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
you too –
You’re right it is hard to do sometimes. But we are ambassadors of our faith and we need to live up to that.
So true, Pam. We’re asked to be representatives of Christ’s love, not of our own opinions. Thanks for being an awesome ambassador!
You are right. It’s not always easy to love.
No, it’s not. I may be able to say the words, but my action is what counts, always.
Well said. A timely message for all of us.
Thanks Ally. Enjoy what’s left of this week and have a wonderful Easter!
What a poignant message. The quote is one I will try to remember. As much as it is hard to love others sometimes, I am sure I have had periods when people may have found me difficult to love as well. Grace is something we all hope for.
Extending grace and forgiveness is the best thing we can do for others as that is the mark of love, especially for those that are hard to love. Accepting those actions is something we all desire. Have a grace and love-filled day, Maggie.
Thank you, Mary. With grace shown and grace received, we are freed from many burdens.
Good week for a reminder like this. We all need understanding.
Absolutely, Judy. Enjoy the rest of your week!
An excellent message. Loving our neighbors can make all the difference in the world.
We sure could use that difference now!
I struggle with this, too. But when I remember to call on “someone or something mightier than me to guide my heart,” and turn my will over, it becomes easier to be loving, or at least to not be mean. I have prayed for God to help me set boundaries without being mean. Then a smile or kind word works even better. Thank you for your wisdom!
You’re welcome, JoAnna. Setting boundaries is important with some people and a type of love that keeps both safe. Prayer helps with the hard to love who test us.
Reminds me of the song we used to sing in youth group. They will know we are Christians by our love…
Good song!