Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
One Sunday, following our evening service, a man in the congregation asked if he might come to the parsonage and talk with me. I was delighted to meet with him. When he arrived for our appointment we shared a light lunch before going into my office. Suddenly, out of the clear blue, came these words: “I hate your guts!”
Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather. Prior to this there did not seem to be any indication of a conflict between us, so his blunt statement was a blow. With my mind reeling, I prayed silently for God’s wisdom and strength. With as much sincerity as possible I answered, “I am so glad that you feel free to share your feelings with me.”
From that incident I would like to suggest a few ways to respond to and love the unlovable:
- Rely on God’s wisdom in dealing with the person.
- Realize that these unlovable people need love—perhaps more than others.
- Remember how unlovable our sins are in God’s sight.
- Rejoice that we are counted worthy to encounter persecution.
- Respond with love rather than retaliate with resentment.
What transpired on that Sunday evening so long ago? The two of us spent time together as he poured out his heart. As he was leaving he looked me directly in the eye and said, “Pastor, I love you so much!” Wow! What a dramatic change from the comments he had made earlier. God is so good!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil