People can WEAR YOU OUT!
Don’t we all have difficult people in our lives? But what do you do if you can’t escape them? What happens when they’re at your work? Or in your family?
People are different by design. And different often equals conflict.
Do you only love those who love you?
(prompted by Luke 6:32)
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love—even the most difficult among us.
But how?
Some things can only be handled with help from the Spirit (along with two of His trusty companions: Prayer and the Word). What it takes more than anything is love. And that love comes from God.
I know that my love muscles need training. They need to grow in capacity, endurance, and strength. That will take practice and prayer. Paul recognized the need for endurance when he prayed, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5 CSB). So, endurance is needed—because love doesn’t give up.
We can’t deny that differences and disagreements will occur. When they crop up, it helps to get to the root of the cause. Is it because of personality issues? Is it selfish rivalry? Is the enemy causing dissension and division as sabotage? Is it from pride or some other sin? Or is it simply a misunderstanding? Whatever it is, love anyway. By God’s love, everything is possible. He is bigger than our differences and disagreements. And He can accomplish His will and work through us despite them.
There is a great reward to be won when people who are different serve the Lord together in love. Beyond accomplishment, there is the harmony and unity love wins. Only then can you truly enjoy the rest that peace brings.
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