Getting Practical

Jesus was just so very clear.  We are called to love God.  We are called to love our neighbor.  We are even called to love our enemies!  And it is by this kind of love that the world will know that we belong to Him.  Don't love them "just so they will believe in Him", just love them!  But how??

First - I'd love for you to post ideas on how to love your "enemy".  Think about family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, people from the past, etc.  Showing love requires some effort, but it can be lots easier if we know of multiple ways to do it.  So, get specific and practical - How can you show love to your enemy?

Here are a couple of ways to get you started.  If you have a co-worker that you don't get along with, pick up an extra Starbucks or Kolache and take it to him/her.  If you have a neighbor you don't connect with, invite them over to dinner - just to get to know them.  If you have a family member that's tough to love, call them and just let them know you were thinking of them today.

Now, what are your ideas?  Let's make this a place we can come to for ideas!

May they know we are His disciples by this kind of love!

Posted on Fri, October 2, 2009 by Jonathan Goeke

3 comments (Add your own)

1. MBL wrote:
I have a co-worker that is tough to get along with. He is cold, distant and lacks basic people skills. One good thing: he knows it. In the past, when I have tried to engage him in conversations about things other than work, I get one word responses. But lately it has been a little better.
My co-worker is better than me at many things, so I have tried to ask his opinion. I don't like it oftentimes, but I don't have to let him know that. I take it in and process it without judgment, to the best of my ability. Occasionally, I find an answer I agree with and clearly let him know. The shell begins to crack.
It's progress, just slow.

Fri, October 2, 2009 @ 3:34 PM

2. Chris wrote:
A long time ago, I heard someone suggest that it's hard to not love someone you're praying for, so if we're having a hard time with anger or jealousy or some other form of un-love toward someone, we should try praying for them, for God to bless them (and then be ready to be part of the answer to that prayer!). I've put that into practice and found it to be true.

Sat, October 3, 2009 @ 7:41 AM

3. PJ wrote:
Progress is good, MBL. One way to love enemies is recognizing their gifts or strengths and giving them the chance to succeed. Find what they are good at and celebrate it!

And yes, Chris, praying for them is foundational! When we pray for those that are hard to love, God tends to begin to work on US and soften our hearts!

Tue, October 6, 2009 @ 10:06 AM

Add a New Comment

Enter the code you see below:
code
 

Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.