Love People

So who is THAT person for you? You know, that person who you hope to avoid when you see them coming. If they were the only person in line at Wal-Mart, you would deliberately go to the other line even though it was much longer just so you can avoid them. Let's take off our "I love everybody" faces and be honest. We all have people in our lives that make us frustrated and irritable, but does that give us a pass when it comes to the gospel?

Then, there are those people who make us uncomfortable. The homeless guy on the side of the road..The guy with the piercings and tattoos (who may actually be more normal than you are)... The person with bright colors in their hair... The lady who randomly starts talking to you about her recent divorce, life changes, and what she ate for dinner last night. Once again, when it comes to the gospel, are we to judge their situation or overflow with God's love?

God has a way of bringing all kinds of people across our path, and He does this for a reason. I am fully convinced that through His sovereignty, there is an opportunity behind every encounter. God expects His love to OVERFLOW from one life to the next. This may not mean you share Jesus with every single person, but it may require you to listen and simply give someone your attention for a few minutes.

I become really unsettled when I think of all the opportunities I've missed where I could have just "been there" for somebody. I'm trying to be more in-tune with the Holy Spirit throughout my day, but it's a work in progress and always will be. Just remember, in connection with Matthew 5:19, God has great expectations for those of us who claim to be Christians. If He plans to hold us accountable for the least of His commands, we better believe He will hold us accountable for the greatest commands, which includes loving people!

Lead others towards Jesus this week as His love overflows from your life to the next!