Bottoms Up (part 2)

"But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" – Romans 5:8

As I was thinking about the people God had placed in my life, and who I thought I could show love to most effectively, Romans 5:8 kept popping into my head. "WHILE we were sinners." WHILE? Like….in the act of STILL BEING a sinner? Man, that takes courage. That takes boldness. That takes faith. That takes….love. And while I was thinking about my list, I believe God whispered something into my ear;

"Start from the bottom."

"WHAT!? You're crazy God. That means I have to show REAL love to the people I REALLY don't love!? THAT co-worker?! THAT Family member!? THAT classmate?! THAT poor excuse for a…..wait a minute. I really wasn't the best example of anything when the brave, courageous, faithful, loving, God fearing people in my life started showing me love...God's love…..Your love." *sigh*

I started thinking about all the angles of starting at the bottom. Don't we always pray for things like "humbleness" and "wisdom" and "faith"? Well, what better opportunity to receive these things than by allowing God to use you to reach those people at the bottom of your list? What about the "after shock" affect? Chances are GOOD that if someone is at the bottom of your list, everyone else knows that (be honest). SO, if you were to turn the love afterburners on towards this person, not only would they see it, but everyone else would as well. Sure you can show real love to the people you love…..DUH. If I was to go visit a friend in the hospital, it's very unlikely people would say "WOW! Now THAT is crazy love!" BUT, if I was to let that kid I don't get along with go first, if I was to invite that co-worker that's difficult to work with over to my next barbeque, people would notice. At first, it might seem awkward. It might even seem to them like your giving off that "fake love" this world knows all too well. But, what if you (we) kept at it? What if we put their needs above our own? What if we cared more for God's plan for their lives than we cared for our plan for ours? What IF we LOVED our neighbors (and for some of you, that's who's on the bottom of your list)?

God placed this challenge on my heart, to love those, most unlikely to receive my love. That doesn't mean neglecting anyone else, anywhere else, in my life. Just simply to give extra special attention to those I wouldn't normally give it to. I have already started this in a few areas of my life. And If I could encourage you this: DO NOT GIVE UP!!! In one particular case at first, it was just as I had expected, awkward and uncomfortable. I tried all day, one day this week, to really love someone I would not normally show love towards. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would be very close to the bottom of their list, as I feel more tension from this person than anything. And all day….nothing changed. I ended the day a little disheartened. But I felt God urging me on, "Don't give up my son. Real love, the kind this world needs, stands strong, and never gives up. And, my son, real love never fails." Needless to say I did my best again the next day to show love towards that person. And a funny thing happened…we got along J We are by no means best friends now. We didn't exchange phone numbers or have an "I'm sorry" hug. We simply, got along. And I wonder, would that have happened if I didn't let God use me to show love? Would that relationship ever have gotten better? I know it's a small step, but think on this: A slight change in angle over a short distance doesn't seem to show much variation, but over a long distance a slight difference of angle could mean hundreds or thousands of miles difference in destination.

So just imagine how much impact 180 degrees could have on your life. And the life of those around you! I am so very thankful, first to God, and then to a key few people who have shown me real love. Those who weren't afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Those who were willing to give their time to me. Those who genuinely cared for my thoughts and concerns, and who helped me understand and attain what I NEEDED, not what I wanted. I was at the bottom of the list. And God saw fit, through Jesus, through His word, and through people to love me anyways. I am very great full for that love and now, I am going to choose to give that love to EVERYONE God has placed in my life. I invite you to do the same. To God be the glory and honor, a toast. Bottoms up J

 

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'" – Matthew 25:40