Loving People

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:15 NLT

Have you ever noticed how some people find fault in everything? For instance, "all politicians are crooked - everybody cheats on their taxes - it's just a little white lie - all that preacher wants is your money - why don't those panhandlers get a job?" The list goes on and on. It's very draining for me to be around someone like this for any length of time.
On the other side of that are the people who always seem to find the good in everything. They offer grace and understanding, they're willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. (I've heard that saying my whole life, and as I just read it back it sounds really weird. What does that mean, "the benefit of the DOUBT?")
I wish I could claim that I am the latter of the two, but usually I find myself somewhere in the middle. It's pretty easy to stay positive and offer grace to people who are nice or friendly, but what about all those we could classify as jerks?
In Mark 12:31, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Then in the parable of the good Samaritan, Luke 10:33, he gives us an example of who our neighbor is.
You have heard the law that says, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Mt. 5:43-48 This is written in red. These are the words of Jesus.
When I read the scripture from Titus, it kind of put this in perspective. Unbelievers can't really help themselves, because their minds and consciences are corrupt. The only hope for them, is the only hope for me, Jesus. If someone you know is always bringing you down, love them anyway! Pray for them anyway! Be kind to them anyway! Who knows, maybe they will see the light reflected by you and turn to Jesus. Isn't that what's really important?
If you would like to know more about Jesus, click on one of the church links on this page. If you would just like to talk to someone, or are in need of prayer, feel free to contact me directly; rlwhitener@gmail.com
Thanks for following along,
God Bless