This morning’s reading could be pretty challenging for us. But it’s definitely something we need to think about. When God created us, the plan was for us to live in harmony with him. Sin came in and changed all of that. Sin changed our hearts. That meant greed and selfishness came around. God’s solution to that was, and still is, pretty amazing. Jesus. He sent Jesus to bring us back into harmony with him. Having a relationship with Jesus gives us the tools to combat sin. Gives us the tools to live a life pleasing to God.
Here’s where it gets difficult for many of us. If we understand God‘s grace, then we know it allows us to live in unity. What happened on the cross paved the path for us to live in God‘s family. All of us! Jesus’s sacrifice eradicated all division: Cultural, racial, political, financial, etc. All division! The Bible tells us that we are all sinners. We know that. But the Bible also tells us that we are all loved beyond our imaginations. All of us! So that includes people around us that we do not necessarily like.
Living under God‘s grace means living a life together. Loving one another as Christ loves us. Maybe the hardest thing for believers to do. Loving others that we do not like. Wow. Read that again. Loving others that we do not like. But just think if we could do that. Think if the world could do that. Just think of the lost who could come to know Jesus if this was the case. And then if they know Jesus, they can live under God’s grace as well. Living a life knowing a hope and a peace that only comes from him. Living a life knowing what awaits them for eternity. So today, let’s try to love others. Even those not in our circles. Let’s celebrate this season honoring God by truly loving others. I am aware that this is difficult. But let’s still try. Because God loves us. Always has. Always will.
