Hi
Yesterday, one of the world’s greatest entertainers retired from active duty as the Fastest Man alive. He retired with dignity having stepped down in the same race which passed the baton (albeit temporarily) to his main competitor. Immediately, the negative comments came rolling in – he should have retired already; his contender was given the title out of pity … Some folks took the high road, but disappointment often has us looking downward rather than heavenwards. Here’s a radical idea for us to counter the negatives in the feast which is today’s Holy Nougat™
For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 NLT
So
What if we were Bolt, would we really wish Gatlin to be sidelined in that way? And if we were Gatlin, having finally beat Bolt legitimately, how would it feel to once again be relegated to the shadows? Or worse yet, to be booed so unceremoniously by Bolt’s fans?
As one who has encountered the sting of rejection before, I understand truly how Jesus’ command has lots of merit. And many of us do too. Even when the one we’re asked to love is unlovable. Especially when they’ve hurt us. Yeah, that’s when it moves out of our natural grace to Christ living IN us and loving THROUGH us. In two words. Not. Easy.
Here’s the irony, Paul invites us to move toward Jesus’ second greatest command, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. He should know. Paul experienced that kind of love from Cornelius after his conversion. You and I experience it EVERY SINGLE DAY from God who grants us life.
How will we respond; with love or indifference?
Lord help us all
In Christ’s love and grace
