Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (John 11v1 NIV)
God doesn’t show favouritism.
He demonstrates His love and grace through His family.
You don’t have to be perfect.
Simply accept His offer of love.
Seek His forgiveness.
Receive His grace.
This grace looks like favour.
It looks like acceptance.
It looks like forgiveness.
And it looks like love all rolled into one, given to you as a free gift.
Undeserved and unexpected.
You never have been, you never will be, good enough to earn it.
Get any notion that you deserve it out of your head.
Respond humbly to what He has done for you.
Therefore He can’t be angry or disappointed in you.
He gave you everything despite your best and worst efforts.
Without performing for it.
Without coming even close.
In the same way don’t show favouritism.
Treat people well no matter who or what.
Love and accept whatever their position or how famous they are.
Do you tend to favour those you like?
Do you avoid those who annoy you?
Do you give a wide berth to those who irritate you?
If you do, stop it.
He has accepted you, warts and all.
Accept others in the same way even it requires more effort.
A lot of what motivates us is based on how we feel.
Ask God where you are taking the comfortable route?
It is easy to love those who are easy to love.
Avoiding people is an emotional response.
It is definitely not a fruit of the Spirit.
Nor is it discernment.
It doesn’t mean target them, but rather, stop avoiding them.
He wants to bless them through you.
Write down the names of five people who irritate you.
When you have your list, pray a blessing over them.
Have a coffee with them and get to know their history.
You may be surprised what you find out.
It will change your attitude.
You were created to love everyone.
That kind of love looks like something.
It is not a feeling.
It is more of an attitude and a motive.
It is a heart issue.
(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)
