“So these three things ·continue forever [endure; remain]: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

One of the greatest commissions of mankind is to LOVE. As Christians, we are to be Disciples of Christ as we go about our daily activities. God summons us to actively participate in HIS mission to redeem this world of sin through the redemptive powers of Jesus.

Jesus made it clear that there is faith, hope and charity (love), but that the greatest of these is love. This doesn’t mean we get to pick and choose who we love, pray for or reach out to when there is a need. God loves us equally.

For some, that is hard to accept, but you can’t change truth. God loves that nasty, corrupt politician as much as he loves the pastor of your church. God loves those pro-abortionist as much as he loves pro-life constituents.

Yes, it’s a hard pill to swallow, but God loves us all unconditionally; what God HATES is the SIN, not the person. His desire is for humanity to come to the foot of the cross, ask forgiveness of their sin so they can rise up as a new creation. It’s pretty safe to say you aren’t going to lead anyone to the foot of the cross if you aren’t showing them love.

While Jesus walked this earth He showed love and compassion to everyone He encountered. Yes, there were moments of anger, but it was toward the sin, not the individual. Jesus had no problem calling out sinful behavior or ambitions. BUT HE DID IT FROM A HEART OF LOVE. He brought attention to the sin so that the need for forgiveness and a change of behavior was recognized.

It is not our place to judge, condemn or pass sentencing on those we meet. As Christians, we are called to love and help others see that sin is a betrayal to God’s love. And what is God’s love? The very fact that He sent His only son to be crucified so that every droplet of blood would cover our sins says it all.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father-
Let me practice love in all that I do. When someone annoys me, when I encounter deceit, lies or betrayal or political remarks anger me, Lord fill me with your love. Shower me with the same love given me when I fail, falter or struggle to be that person you would want me to be.

Remind me it is sin you hate, not the person. When the crowd stood ready to stone the prostitute you spoke

“…let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” John 8:7

One by one the woman’s accusers left until only she and Jesus stood alone. You spoke:

“… Go and sin no more.”

Jesus, in that single moment, you rebuked the sin but showed love and compassion in the process. Help me to be that kind of person.

AMEN