Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. — Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Last week, we discussed how to love others well, and we all know that sometimes this can be challenging. It’s easy to love the lovable people; however, Jesus requires us to love both the lovable and unlovable. Some people do require that you have “extra grace” to love them!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
In this passage, Jesus teaches us about relationships and how to deal with other people. The enemies we are called to love could be those who don’t share our faith and anyone who has wronged us in any way. If that is the case, how much more do you think we need to love each other as Christians?
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)
As the Church, the way we love each other is the proof of who we say we are as Christ’s followers. So, when the world witnesses the infighting in the church, we are telling them a different story. No matter how much evangelism or outreach activities we do, the infighting nullifies them because we are not being the people Christ called us to be in action—a people of love.
Love and forgiveness are closely related. One can’t truly love and be unforgiving, and one cannot truly forgive without love. As humans, we are not perfect, and we will do things that agitate and offend others. However, the key to moving forward together in harmony is forgiveness and love.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
Please note that we are not saying that to be a forgiving person, we should become doormats and allow others to mistreat us while we suffer in silence. There are ways of dealing with hurt that lead to forgiveness and restoration. We’ll discuss that in the next blog.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
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