So how does loving people, instead of gossiping or judging help YOU? It allows “God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand (Phil 4:7),” to work its magic inside of you! When you allow it, “His peace will guard your heart[s] and mind[s] as you live in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7).” When you learn to see people how God sees them, you won’t feel stressed and upset when they do something that’s not right. You won’t feel judgmental and critical toward them. You’ll love them through it and be there for them.
Have you ever had an encounter with someone when you messed up, that wasn’t good? How did it make you feel? I once had a boss yell at me in front of a group of people for doing something wrong. Do you know that nothing about that situation instilled in me a desire to do better?
People who truly need help and need to mature need our love and support. People who aren’t making the best decisions usually know inside that they’re not? They don’t need someone, beating them down for it or smacking them upside the head. They need a “prodigal son” encounter (Luke 15:20-22, 24).
They need to know that you’re there and you’re going to love them through it. That’s God’s grace and mercy, which IS good news. If God had a 2×4 on the other end of this ordeal that wouldn’t be good news. He doesn’t, because He’s kind!
The Bible says we were made in His image. If God is kind, we have that kindness inside of us. Let’s be kind to people! Let’s let our light shine and give an awesome representation of Christ. Be that person who says, “Hey! We love you. We’re not going to judge you or smile and then talk bad about you behind your back! We’ve been through what you’ve been through, we understand and we love you.” The End.
~Danielle Paden~
My Not So Perfect, Perfect Life Blog
http://danigirl1982.blogspot.com