“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)
Dear Reader,
Who are the “unlovable” in this world? How do you qualify for this very specific group of people? Is everyone in the group unlovable to everyone else in the world, or are some of the unlovable actually lovable to the rest of us?
There is nobody beyond the reach of God. He loves all of us. In fact, even while we were covered in the mud of our own sin, God sent His Son to die on the cross for us. We needed to be forgiven and Jesus paid the price with His blood.
So, I guess ALL of us are the unlovable and it is sin that gives us the “unlovable” title. Thank goodness the love of God can look past our imperfections. Where would we be without His constant offer of forgiveness?
It is important to examine your heart and take an honest look at your own way of thinking, in regards those called “unlovable.” You will probably have to admit that there are other things you consider when sending people over the fence to the “unlovable” pasture.
Would a lack of personal hygiene be on your list? Maybe it would be education, status, or profession. Physical appearance and human deformities might be additional weights of consideration.
Why is the outside always the first trigger, or is it? Do you consider greedy, pushy, loud, and boisterous folks unlovable? Does a lack of compassion or courage sweep some people you encounter into that “unlovable” category? Could a person’s work ethic, or the lack of it, be irritating and enough to earn them a place?
Even though the children of God should view people with the eyes of Jesus, many of us don’t. We walk around with tinted or shaded eye ware that blocks out the goodness in people. Instead, we focus on the faults and wrongs of others, not their accomplishments and goodness.
Judging is a very dangerous place to be when you consider we will be judged with the same measure we hand out. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us. His purpose was always to save. Why then aren’t we following His example?
Who are the “unlovable” in your life? How have they wounded or offended you? Do they just annoy you, or do they affect you like a bad case of poison oak when you are around them? Is there unforgiveness binding you to that “unlovable” person?
You can learn to love this person, with the grace of God. I don’t mean you have to be best friends or hang out together. Instead, why not ask God to give you His eyes the next time you run into this person. You can ask God to show you what He sees when He glances their way. This will surely give you a new perspective. It could even develop a compassion in your heart and a willingness to extend grace and mercy. You do not have to like the person, but you are commanded by God to love him/her.
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”Matthew 22:39 NIV
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 (ESV)
Categories: INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLES
Thank You, cherylz1961, for sharing. Everyday i know i could use a reminder from Jesus and pause to do alittle writing in the sand; to hear: ‘The one without sin, cast the first stone’. When we hear those words, all of us should be ashamed to have picked up a stone. I give the Holy Spirit permission daily; to call me ‘out’ on this one, never fails to do so. Only God truly knows what another is going through or the true condition of one’s heart. Thank You, for saying YES to God’s call to encourage others through your blog for i am encouraged and blessed. Our God is an AWEsome God through all the even ifs… Beautiful picture of you and your best friend.
Hello Ms Stratton,
Thanks for your comment. I am blessed that the words God sent my way have blessed you. It is my passion and joy to share the love and encouragement of Christ. It is hard not to throw stones but even harder to catch ourselves BEFORE picking up the rock. I pray we both listen to the HS when He warns us we are about to pick up something we should leave on the ground. Blessings!!
amen. Belove sister in Christ. i fail often; yet, i try to see Him there kneeling with finger in the sand. Often pray, Papa, i am need of ‘sand moment’ as i pray to be Christlike in all things of earth. i am passionate about His missions for child abuse and elderly abuse. When i am posting picture or articles of those who have done so, i always pray for them, that it is the Evil One i am speaking against, the sin not the sinner and pray that others know that evil is loose in the world. We can not be ‘asleep’ the Evil One is no respector of people or places. For Only by the Grace of God go i and every Human-being created on earth > Other than Jesus He has provided me with knowledge of no exceptions. >Alot of forgiveness to pass through in a day for myself and God’s creation – my ‘Blink’ . Tis why i seek daily reminders before i step out into my ‘messy total human earth’. Be Blessed this day of the Lord, BeLOVE Child of God.
Dear Ms Stratton, I often call my heavenly Father Abba. My pet name for my dad is “Pop.” It is clear you have a special relationship with God, Papa is lovely. I was involved with two ministries in my 20’s-40’s that worked with women with sexual abuse in their childhood. This sin has such a vicious attack plan as it not only wounds the victim, but those in the family as well. I praise God you are helping with this ministry and I am touched that you can hate the sin but not the abuser. In the chaos of the world, hold tight to God’s hand and the winds that whip around you will not harm you. Blessings to you.