People are Not Easy to Love no. 26

“How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God” (Mattityahu (Mat) 5:9 CJB). The most important thing we can do is love each other. And one way of showing love is by creating peace within our homes and our communities. People are not easy to love because they desire conflict over peace.

There is a lot of “drama” in this society of ours. “Drama” permeates the media whether fact or fiction. “Drama” permeates our communities whether Christian or pagan. I am certain we can think of several people in our lives that contribute much “drama” to circumstances and situations. BUT that isn’t how Jesus called us to live. Jesus did not walk around saying inflammatory things just to get people riled up and drive relationships into chaos. He spoke the truth and brought peace to those who were suffering. He brought comfort, joy, fulfillment, mercy, and righteousness. The only folks that experienced drama from His presence were those at odds with the truth He brought.

So, what does that say about those of us who are adding “drama” to situations and relationships? I think we need to find His peace. I hear many folks flippantly say that they, “just tell them like it is” and it isn’t their fault “if people get offended”. And I think it probably is their fault. If I truly want what is best for my neighbor, then I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my mission of spreading His word. And oftentimes we stand behind The Bible as an excuse to be a jerk. And that is missing the forest for the trees. That is missing the point of Jesus for just putting out a biblical message.

There are a lot of things in The Bible. If you don’t believe me, then read it. BUT just because something is in The Bible does not mean it is how Jesus wanted us to live our lives. Oftentimes we overlook His perfect example as a goal and a guide because we are just people. BUT He was a person too. He might have been God as well BUT He was also a person. So, the expectation is that we should live according to His example and not the example of David or Saul or Moses or Solomon or even Paul. Those are not the perfect example. Those other folks in The Bible are flawed and broken folks that are way too often more easy to find similar than Jesus.

Folks that want “drama” need not only our prayers BUT also our better example. There is no way for me to tell you to avoid “drama” and get right down into the mud with you. Sometimes you are going to need to avoid those people until you can get yourself out of the danger of falling back into “drama”. Be wise and avoid those temptations. When we see the “drama” in any of our communities, we must be the voice of peace as Jesus intends. Folks who want “drama” filled lives are not easy to love.

Grace and Shalom to your home.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH

People are Not Easy to Love no. 25

“Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then God’s shalom , passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua. In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy” (Philippians (Php) 4:4-8). There is a tendency for people to worry about all sorts of things and Christians are not immune. We worry when we should be praying. People are not easy to love because they worry when they should be praying.

I will never fail to emphasize the importance of prayer. I think a lot of our problems within and without Christianity is linked to lack of prayer. Being a person that brings their requests before God is important. Prayer is a right relationship with God in that we are asking Him to be in control. And giving God the control over situations is a problem we face way too often.

When we bring our requests to God for His resolution we need to be thankful. What better situation than having the creator of everything willing to solve our problems no matter how monumental or trivial? I don’t know about you BUT that makes me thankful. Knowing that the same God that created everything is listening and in total control to help me should bring me peace.

When we bring our requests to God for His resolution that should grant us peace. He will be in union with us. He will keep our hearts and minds safe. And I should have peace when I bring my requests to the only one that can truly handle all situations.

Instead of worrying, we should focus “on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy”. Far too often we focus on the negative BUT prayer allows our worry to dissipate and our focus to move to how He wants us to live His example. Far too often we take things to God and then still let them take up our mind space. We think way too much about problems we gave to God. Well, which is it? Did I give it to God or am I still holding on to the problem for myself? I have to make that choice of whether I am going to worry about the situation or if I am truly giving it to Him. I need to worry about living His example and that does not involve worry.

Worry can lead us to anger and that is not the way to be in a right relationship with God. “Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry; for a person’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness” (Ya'akov (Jas) 1:19-20). I need to give my worry over to Him and focus on the right way of living that honors Him. Loving God and my neighbor is going to take a lot more prayer than worry. If we want to be a better Ambassador of His Kingdom, if we want to be a better example of His love, if we want to be easier to love, then we need prayer.

Grace and Shalom to your home.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH