Love Everyone
God pursues every heart. He loves all people He gave life to and He calls us to do the same. Our love is not based on what others do, but on who we are.
“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him ...you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today. Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones...He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.”
Genesis 50:15, 20-21
It was very rational for the brothers to be afraid. They had beat up and sold Joseph into slavery. The enemy was whispering in their ears that they should fear Joseph even though he had been good to them. Is that not what happens? When we do not know what others are thinking or will do, we fill in the gap of doubt with fear?
There is a better way and Joseph models loving people who have wronged him. He took it further. Not only did he not harm them, but he comforted the very people who had hurt him. How can we apply this to our lives?
““Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice...I am God, your God. I have no need for a bull from your stall...Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving...Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation to him.””
Psalms 50:5-7, 9-10, 14-15, 23
Why does God want the sacrifice of the heart more than the sacrifice of stuff? He knows that grateful people live generous and joyous lives. The love they receive overflows onto others. What would a sacrifice of thanksgiving sound like for your life?
“I am my beloved’s."
Song of Solomon 7:10
These words are food to your soul. When you declare that you are God's and know that you are loved something special happens in your heart. You are beloved by God.
“The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary...For the Lord Yahweh will help me...I know that I won’t be disappointed. He who justifies me is near...Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.”
Isaiah 50:4, 6-8
God wants to bring healing to His people so His people bring healing to others. Who do you know that could use an encouraging word today? Will you take the time to call them and comfort them?
“Blessed are you who are poor, for God’s Kingdom is yours. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you...I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other...If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil...The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?”
Luke 6:12, 20-29, 32, 35-37, 41, 45-46
Jesus breaks down all the social and political barriers and declares that you have no enemies. There is never a right time to do the wrong thing nor wrong time to do the right thing. What is right and righteous according to Jesus? To love all people. He removes the conditional. We all can point fingers at what others have done to justify why we won't be loving to others like Jesus, but that is only bringing out the hurt stored in our hearts.
Jesus call is simple, but difficult. Love those you love and love those you don't. Thankfully we do not have to do this in our own strength. He wants to fill us with the power, presence, and peace of the Holy Spirit so that what comes out of our hearts and mouths is the love led by the Spirit. Will you allow Jesus to be Lord over your heart, words, and actions when it comes to loving all people? Will you surrender hurt, offense, unforgiveness and bitterness to find the freedom that comes with following the one who came to set you free?