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Christians: “The Most…” – Part 4

Today we will conclude our series on different areas where the Christian should strive to excel in. As mentioned before, this is not to say that we will master these areas or that it will be easy to do. Instead, this series is intended to remind us and make us aware of the opportunities that we encounter where we can be intentional and allow our character to be more like Christ. There are so many areas that we could talk about, however, we chose just four. So far, we have seen that we should be the most generous, understanding/compassionate, and forgiving.

Last, but certainly not least, Christians should be the most loving. If we know God, then we need to love others. The Bible says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”¹ Now, what does love one another mean? Should we only love those who look like us, act like us, or think like us? Should we love only those who are loveable? Let’s see what God’s Word says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”² Wow. I love how God’s word is so clear! When we love our enemies, we are being testimony to what a child of God looks like. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”³

Of all that we are called to do, loving others is one of the hardest things. It goes against our sinful nature. It is so much easier to ignore those we do not like! When someone treats me badly or unfairly, the last thing that typically comes to mind is loving and praying for them, am I right? But that is what we are called to do, and this is the example that Jesus left for us to follow.

Being the most generous, understanding/compassionate, forgiving, and loving seems humanly impossible, and in a way it is. That is why God left us His Holy Spirit who dwells in us. In Christ we can do all things because He strengthens us.⁴ Every day we see or hear of so much hate, division, and anger from one person to another. I truly believe Christ’s return is getting closer and closer, which is why it is so important for us to be living testimonies of the Gospel message of salvation. God loves us and offers us all forgiveness despite what we have done or not done. Let us demonstrate this same love to all those around us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, living like Christ is a difficult task and one that I cannot do without you. However, it is also a task that I know I need to do and how important it is in our world today. I pray that you would allow me to get closer to you daily, and in doing so, reflect you to others. Give me your eyes to look past the things that perhaps I do not like in people, and instead see who you see. Teach me to love others just as you love me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

1. 1 John 4:7-8.

2. Matthew 5:43-47.

3. John 13:35.

4. Philippians 4:13.

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.