“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die for them. Though God hates sin, He loves the sinner. He distinguishes the sinner from his actions and loves him anyhow. That’s the only reason He could look beyond their faults and pay the ultimate price—the death of His Son on the Cross, to save them.
This is how the Lord expects you to treat those around you. The Bible says we should be “…imitators of God, as His dear children” (Ephesians 5:1 WNT). When you live with the consciousness of this realty, there wouldn’t be anything that anyone could do to offend you to make you bitter and malicious. You’ll become gracious and merciful towards others.
Learn to cover others with your umbrella of love! No matter how nasty they may get towards you, let your love overwhelm their negative actions and overlook their imperfections. Remember, you’re like your heavenly Father, therefore learn to separate people from their actions, or their wrong doing.
Don’t react or respond to people based on their wrong or hurtful words and actions towards you. Remember that people have their imperfections, which is why God sent His Son Jesus to make His life available. Even after they’ve been born again, they don’t become perfect in one day. Therefore, love people for who they are, and not for what they do.
Prayer
Dear Father, help me to see people the way you see them. Rather than see their flaws and faults, help me see the good in them—that beautiful part of them! Help me always to rise above offences as I cover others with the umbrella of your love flowing from the castle of my heart, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
1 John 4:10-11 WNT
1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
