In bible study, we are studying Romans. My friend Becky was the teacher this past weekend. She taught on loving others for who they are and where they are. It really spoke to me and I thought I would share my notes on it.
" Love people for who they are and where they are. It is Gods place to change their lives. We should not change them, but love them. We need to think about our actions and ask ourselves, "If I do this, will it cause someone else to stumble?" It is hard to have peace with someone when you are pointing your finger at them.
Walk in humility and low to the ground. Paul wanted people to walk in unity. He had the pedigree but he never got over that Jesus dies for him. He walked low to the ground. There are times when you try to figure things out and God is taking your face into his hands saying to obey him HIM, and he has the rest taken care of. "
I feel that I, at times, can be the Holy Spirit, telling others the way they should feel and then getting mad when they don't. Whether I feel their actions or feelings are wrong, how can I judge what they do or how they feel? It is not my place. All I can do is pray for a change of heart and then obey God to the best of my ability.
As I type this, I can't help but think of a situation I recently faced. I had a friend that played a "card" in a situation I felt was wrong. I was mad and hurt and wanted them to know it. I also wanted to tell them how they should feel about it all. I kept thinking that I wanted them to take my "suggestion" to heart, change their thinking immediately and be okay with it for the rest of their life. I however, did none of these things. I gently explained how I felt and left it at that. Will I ever get a " Hey! I was wrong" or "Wow! sorry for that"? Probably not. Do I really need that? No (although it would be really nice to hear)
Although I am still not happy about how the situation is unfolding, I know that I can't change them or the situation. I am not the Holy Spirit. I am not going to be able to change this persons feelings about the situation. All I can do is love them for who they are, no matter how infuriating they may be at the moment, and pray for the Holy Spirit to change their heart and thinking to be what God has willed, not what I think is correct. Whether I love them from afar or close up, I need to see them through God's eyes, not my own flawed view.
I love the image of God holding our face in His hands, telling us that HE HAS IT!!!
MM
