G od's
R iches
A t
C hrist's
E xpense
I. But they don’t WANT God’s love.
We don’t know that for sure as only God can fully discern the thoughts of the mind and the heart’ fullest intentions, in the end: Even if it may seem like these people are in a dark place of rejecting God’s love, or of pushing aside your continual efforts to help them see the light, perhaps they’re just scared. What if they’re just not ready to open up their hearts to the possibility of further rejection, and they simply don’t know how to show it? Or perhaps they’ve been several hurt by people in the past, ones whom they counted on --- maybe even fellow believers. Ask yourself how you would feel if the one person you should’ve been able to count on was actually the one who let you down in the first place! Ouch….
II. But they don’t DESERVE God’s love or my forgiveness.
Neither did any of us, if we’re quite honest, and that’s the beauty of the whole thing: A perfect God came to live and die for an imperfect humanity though He never had to. He wanted to. It was the greatest gift of love ever imaginable; just think of how God loved a human existence, that was at nothing but enmity with Him, and even so much that He gave up the life of His One Son to save them! Would YOU ever give up the life of your child to save that of your worst enemy? Likely not, right?
III. But I thought I ALREADY forgave them.
Bitterness is a tricky one, and if left unchecked, it can even get the best of the best of us! It’s a nasty root that seeps in, when least expected, and starts to work its worst on us --- heart, body and mind. There are no limits to what bitterness can do inside a person, even within the most mature believer, and that’s why it should never be underestimated. If you find yourself experience feelings of regret, remorse, returning bitterness or unforgiveness/hardness of heart toward someone you had already determined in your heart to forgive, ask God to help you overcome this. And He will!
IV. But I just FEEL LIKE hating them today….
I’ll go with you there for a second because I’ve been there myself. And, actually, so has Christ Jesus Himself! Do you think He particularly felt like loving His enemies and wishing for their best as they were torturing and killing Him at Calvary? And let me add to this thought: Do you think love, the number one commandment above all others given in Scripture, by the mouth of Jesus Himself, is always a feeling? It is not an act that requires willpower instead, one that demands we give our all while expecting absolutely nothing in return?
Final Thoughts on All This “Mumbo Jumbo” : Don’t Stress, Pray Instead, Give from the Heart, Love Unconditionally, Forgive, and Be So Much More in This Life…
So consider our proven advice the next time you find yourself in a “loving your enemies pickle”. And remember to look up: The Good Lord has an answer for everything. So worry about nothing, and pray about everything; you will find that perfect solution to meet your present need head on! Believe it, and you’ll receive it. All good things do come in time, and from the Father above, the true Giver of all gifts everywhere, the source from which every great blessing first finds its origin….
