The Lord is always calling us to higher things. At this time, I felt I was having some victories in forgiving personal offenses and choosing to give a person the benefit of the doubt. This is a good thing and I believe the Lord confirmed it. The people He mentioned as valuable examples were friends I had that were just different from each other. It’s all good, right?
However, then He brought up the subject of not hating because others hate . . . ouch. I was convicted because of my gut response when others hurt the people I love. I confess it sort of resembles hate.
From the journal . . . . December 1995
Lord, it works when I overlook a fault of someone else. (Proverbs 19:11) Sometimes it hurts my pride, but that’s okay because I shouldn’t pamper or cater to my pride anyway. My pride should die because its focus is self and what makes me feel entitled. * It’s different from dignity. I can respect myself but not put myself ahead of others. I am as valuable as anyone. No one is more or less valuable than me. *
* Matthew 5:38-39 Prov 16:18 Rom 1:29-30 Phil 2:3 Gen 1:27
And I Believe God Said:
This is truth that will make a difference to your life. You are of great value to Me. You have awesome potential. So do Kim, Chris, Sara, and Rune. They are of great value to Me. Some need dusting off, some need fine tuning, and some need a major overhaul, but all are of great value. All people have great potential, but some will never be of use to Me.
Matt 3:10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. NLT
You don’t know which, or who, or when, so you must concentrate on treating all with equal value.
You are not to hate because someone else does. That may seem a way to show loyalty, but it is not My way. You can hate and fight against ungodly concepts and principles, but not individuals. Love what is good and hate evil. Remember Me.
Romans 8:9-10 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.
When He says “Remember Me,” I think the point is this :We need His help to love His way.
Very often we form opinions about people before we meet them because of what we have been told. We then determine if they are good or bad. If someone hurts someone we love, we are apt to take up an offense before knowing both sides. We can get ‘righteously indignant.’ Jesus calls us to something higher. Love our enemies. Love others as ourselves. Love like Jesus does!
Luke 6:27-28 . 27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
Matt 22:39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
John 13:34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
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This spoke to my work situation and how He impressed me to not be mad, gossip and dislike this particular co-worker. It is not for me to judge, that’s His part. I am to love and pray. I feel souch better!
Thank you Leslee. I’m glad it helped. I’m reminded that there is nothing new under the sun and the challenges we face don’t necessarily get solved after one encounter but we get a lot of opportunities to practice and improve!! And they seem to be common to all!!