So, as the title of this post says....today's challenge involves "putting off" a lack of love and "putting on" love. I used to think this wasn't a problem for me and I prided myself (my first mistake) in the fact that there wasn't anyone I didn't love. That was easy words to say because I was immersed among the lovable. But.....what about those that aren't lovable? I'll bet your mind immediately went to the pedophile in your neighborhood or the homeless man that stands at the Walmart exit. However, that's not who I'm talking about. I am talking about the daily personal encounters: the boss that ridicules you in a crowd because you wouldn't even take a sip of the wine at the work social, the condescending co-worker, the rebellious child, the ungrateful spouse, the guy that broke your daughter's heart, the neighbor who complained because your dog was barking....the list is endless! I'm sure you could add a stream of unlovable people to the list.
Well, guess what? God doesn't excuse us from loving them just because they've hurt or offended us in some way. We are to love because He first loved us. We were so undeserving of His love and He loves us anyway. I can't quite wrap my measly little mind around this, can you?
Here are the scriptures that go with today's challenge:
1 John 4:7-8, 20
John 15:12
I didn't write them out because I wanted you to see them with your own eyes and let the Holy Spirit guide you in how to apply them.
If you want to know what this challenge is about, go to my previous post, "40 Day Challenge - Intro".
Remember the dirty pantry we discussed in the previous blog, well here is mine:
I dare you to post a picture of your own (the junkier the better, it's an analogy).....who knows we might be inspired to literally clean out our pantry in the next 40 days.
Today's challenge: Love the unlovable.....
Now, flesh it out!
(Comments welcome on how you applied this today).
2 comments:
Enjoyed this blog today Sue. I haven't blogged in months. I've been so overwhelmed with so many other things that blogging has sorta been put on the back burner. This may be the inspiration I need to get back to it. You always inspire me with your commitments to become more Christ-Like! Love you dearly!
Cindy....I want to see you blogging again! You have always been such a light and inspiration to me. Pray for me to follow through on this....I can get overwelmed and through in the towel quickly these days:)
I love you dearly also!
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