The title describes something I think we have all found ourselves thinking to ourselves or even saying out loud at times. This thought comes across our minds about our dislike for someone. This can be caused by a number of reasons. If a person wrongs us. If they wrong someone we love or care we tend to develop a dislike for that person. If they do something that we don't like.
Recently, this happened to me. While I was at work. I saw someone do something (I’ve actually seen this person do it multiple times) but my mind said once again: "Man, I don’t like that person." Not only did I think it, but I even told one of my coworkers. I went on with my day, not thinking about it too much.
God really convicted me later on though. I realized: I am ‘that’ person. The one who I looked at with eyes of judgement. I am that person. How many times have I wronged Christ? How many times have I failed him, let him down, sinned against him. Done stuff that He has clearly said is wrong. I fail him daily.
And yet, God doesn’t look at us with eyes of dislike and disgust. In fact, His response is the complete opposite. No matter how many times I’ve wronged Christ, His love still abounds for me. He is faithful and His arms always open wide for His children to run back to Him and ask forgiveness. How much more of a reason does God have to dislike us when we fail him over and over again, on a daily basis.
What a convicting/humbling thought. Now, I'm not saying it's easy, not even close. We will all fail. But by God's grace may we respond with love and compassion rather than hatred.
In John 13:34-35 Jesus says:
"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Pray for grace and strength as we try and live out these verses.
