This is something I believe everyone should adhere to. We shouldn’t treat those unlovely people around us shabbily, for this is not at all what scripture teaches. It is easy to be nice to those who are nice to you, but what of those who grate on your nerves or are just plain mean? Remember this, according to scripture, if WE got what we deserved we would be bound for an everlasting hell. That would be based on the sins from our life that we could never pay for ourselves. We required a sacrificial lamb by the name of Jesus Christ to pay that debt for us. Mean people do not deserve our kindness, patience or love, but neither did we. We are loved unconditionally and without reservation. No matter how difficult it may be at times, and trust me, it can and will be extremely difficult with some folks, we are to strive to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Should they be our enemy, our kindness would heap burning coals upon their head, figuratively speaking of course. (Romans 12:20)
When it states that “this sums up the Law and the Prophets” , that may seem perplexing. Are we still under the Law of Moses? No, we are not as New Testament believers. However, it is my contention that while are do not have to literally follow the 10 Commandments as they did before the coming of Christ, if we live as God commands we will by default be living them out in our lives.
I have had both wonderful people and loathsome people cross my path throughout my life. I have always tried to the best of my ability to follow this scriptures directive. It has not be easy and it even made me an easy target at times, but it is what God requires of us as followers of Christ. If we treat others the way WE feel they deserve to be treated how would that make us any different than the unbelievers who “live and let live” and care not how others feel about anything. The point is it doesn’t make us any different at all. We are to be “salt and light” to a dying world. (Matthew 5:13-16)
We are not called to warm a pew each Sunday morning, nor are we called to be in church each time the doors are open if it doesn’t cause a change in us. As the old saying goes, being in church makes you a Christian like standing in a garage makes you a car … it doesn’t. Just attending and tithing does not cut it in God’s economy. He doesn’t NEED your help, but He is asking for it. He has chosen us to be a difference in this crazy, mixed up, hedonistic world where anything goes and God is considered a myth or some sort of crutch some need to sustain themselves and feel good. We should consider it an honor to be chosen. If you are standing still you are losing ground, because millions have answered the call and are passing you by. God will not leave you dangling out on a limb. You may treat an undesirable individual with kindness and you may receive anger or hatred in return, but your kindness has planted a seed in their hearts that God can cultivate. You do your part and leave the rest to God. Some of us plant, some water and some reap the harvest … but God is truly the One at work here.
WALK WITH THE KING AND BE A BLESSING!!
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