Loving others is one of the hardest things to master. As long as we live here on earth it will be a proven thorn to many. Murder, famine, injustice, and terrorism bombard us constantly, so the distraction is easy to understand, the hate is justified, but how can we deal? We all can admit Jesus had the perfect love, and we will never attain perfection. He taught the Disciples to be an example of love. This can be done through forgiveness, service, compassion, unity, empathy, faith, and sacrifice.
Lean on Him
In Mathew Jesus, instructed that we love our foes and lean on Him. It is never easy when we’re attacked as a nation or people. Regardless, let the Lord deal with them. ”But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Humility
Ouch, this one is a bugger. Being humble in the face of injustice, and if it continues? Humility is the way towards power. You are taking the power out of your hands and allowing His to take over. He said in Luke. “Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” In the temple and presence and worship of God, everything is worthless that is not pervaded by deep, true humility towards God and men.”
Dealing Anger
Jesus became angry when he witnessed the money changers in the temple. There is righteous anger, but don’t let it consume you. Settle it at once it said in Mathew. “I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother–then come and offer your gift.”
Find Support
If you need help in this area, find someone to help. Mathew 18:19 recommends that we share, pray and seek God’s will. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven.”
Serving Others
Serving others in an important aspect of Jesus’ teaching, whoever is last on earth will be first in Heaven. It is not your status pastor. Rick Warren said serving others takes spiritual growth. “Your shape reveals your ministry, but your servant’s heart will reveal your maturity. No special talent or gift is required to stay after a meeting to pick up trash or stack chairs. Anyone can be a servant. All it requires is character.”
Showing Mercy
Showing mercy to others is another convicting thought. If we want mercy, we need to give it. Mercy is an action all of us can do and take part in daily in our lives when things are spinning out of control. “When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd–and He began to teach them many things.” Mercy is taking action.
Having faith moves mountains, heals souls, and helps us look to the future with hope no matter what the surroundings appear to be. Additionally, allowing fear to control our lives through the news, people, or turmoil will suck the life out. We need hope for a better day, and faith can ground us. We also need faith to use as a weapon to love others, and have the inner power to wait for the Lord to move.