Especially this month with Valentine’s Day, there is a focus on love—does that mean you are to love those who love you? I saw a bumper sticker the other day that read, “He (referring to God) is not a respecter of persons and we should not be either.” I thought how much we need that message today. Look at what Luke 6:32-36 states in the NIV:
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
This Scripture made me think of when I had the hardest time trying to open a container the other day. It finally got to a point where I asked William to open it for me. He too had a tough time until he began to turn the container’s top counterclockwise. Once he went in the direction that was not the norm, it opened. What a challenge for all of us. We normally do what is familiar to us. To do the opposite of what is normal, takes extra effort. First of all, we must think different to act differently. Then we must act “counterclockwise ” to what we would have done previously.
Imagine opening a large box of crayons and when you look inside, all you see is row after row after row of crayons in the same color. What a hinderance that would be for creating projects with a host of brilliant colors.
Our bible classes are starting again this month, and they are attended by a diverse group of women. Are you going to do what is normal, or will you go in a “counterclockwise” direction that will open some creative ways for sharing the brilliance of God’s love with some you may not have before. When you don’t just love those who love you, Jesus tells us, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” Remember, God is not a respecter of persons and we should not be either. I pray our classes will always be diverse. Won’t you join us? Click here for info.
Paula is compassionately committed to biblically teach and mentor women who desire to be renewed in their minds by God’s eternal Word so their destinies will become a reality. She goes beyond sharing biblical principles to practical application for everyday living.
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