Make a Choice to Walk in Love!
I wonder if we looked past outward appearances and into the depths of an individual’s emotions would we treat them differently? If we saw insecurity instead of arrogance, loneliness instead of joy and hurt instead of a smile would we stop to encourage the wounded souls around us or would we choose to ignore their pain? Would we simply, continue to, ask how they are doing and when they answer with a standard, “I’m fine” accompanied by a smile that does not match the hurt in their eyes, just walk away?
Sometimes I question discretion and discernment of people because how is it possible to ignore the silent cries of individuals that you see on a regular basis? They’re your co-workers, associates, and church members. Surely you can’t see their distress because it’s absurd to believe that you’d just ignore it…or is it? Have we become so caught up in fulfilling our own desires and chasing after our perceived understanding of destiny they we are ignorant to the need for ministry surrounding us?
There are so many individuals hurting and as we encounter people this week let’s make a conscious effort to exhibit the personality of God. 1 John 7-8 says, “Beloved let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God for God is love.” To know God is to love one another. Jesus declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34). Love isn’t rude, mean, or manipulating. It does not gossip, backbite, or participate in usury. God is love and those things are definitely not God! Let’s do better.
For the individuals who are secretly hurting I know it is painful. Hurt is uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter who you are or what position you hold the burning, torment of pain can be a raging fire threatening to consume the mind, will, and emotions. If you’re dealing with this kind of pain please know that you’re not alone. You’re not the only one who has shown compassion to others only to be ignored in your time of need. You aren’t the only one who has used your time, talent and energy to help others only to have them blatantly ignore your good deeds in their attempt to garner attention from others. You’re not the only one who has been misused, mistreated, forgotten or forsaken by man. You’re not alone. In spite of how you feel recognize that we serve a God who, “loved you so much that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should have every lasting life.” (John 3:16). God knew that we needed a Savior, a Redeemer, and lifeline so, He cloaked divinity in humanity and allowed heaven to walk on earth. You can’t afford to be bound by negative emotions. Yes, you may have been mistreated but, you can’t let that stop you from living the life God has purposed for you.
Take responsibility for moving stumbling blocks of loneliness, anger, hurt and dejection. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new!” Let those old emotions go! Continue to cloak yourself in the fruits of the spirit, “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22 -23). Find joy in living for God and peace in walking in righteousness. “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” (Isaiah 26:2-4). “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:3-5. The common theme in these scriptures is trusting in the Lord. Don’t loose your faith because your going through a trying time. With unwavering faith, stand upon His word and keep doing good!
Remember that we serve a God who cloaked himself in humanity and willingly endured the pain that He knew we’d experience. He knows what it’s like to be picked on, abandoned and neglected. He knows what it feels like to be alone without anyone to hear or even attempt to heal His hurt. He knows what it feels like to do the right thing and still have His integrity assaulted and His compassion ignored. In spite of what He endured the same Jesus who was persecuted still healed the sick. He was unjustly chastised but still showed compassion. Many sought and used Him for His abilities to heal, deliver and set free but they were silent as He hung on the cross for their sins.
Don’t be weary in your well doing. If you’re compassionate, kind, giving and caring then continue to exhibit those attributes knowing that God sees your good works even if man never acknowledges them. You’re talented, intelligent, loyal and kind. Stay who you are and don’t allow anyone to extinguish the good in you. Hold on to the character of Christ and know that your good work is not in vain. Destroy negativity with praise, worship and love. Stay focused on walking in the path of righteousness and don’t allow anybody to change your character. Keep being you!
