Living Lovingly

Today, we have begun another new book. We have jumped into the book of Leviticus. Better known as the book of the laws. The whole book is mainly a list of does and don't and what to do ifs, and how to deal withs, and so often even Christians dread grudging through it. However the verse today is actually a good one. It's got a don't and a do in the same sentence.

Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance of bear grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

So this verse tells us not to get even with others, but to love on them instead. In all honesty, I know we often find this very difficult to do. As soon as someone hurts us we automatically think of ways to get them back, the truth is, the best way to get back at them is to not and to love them instead. By loving those who hurt us, we have the opportunity to show God's love through us instead of our own sinful life. When we love our neighbor as ourselves we learn to be better people. This world would be a lot better if we followed this command because too many people love themselves way too much, and they don't share the love with others. Of course if everyone loved everyone the way we were supposed to it'd be a utopia and everybody knows that's not possible, plus that would make the bible a lie because the world can never be perfect or even a utopia, at least not til the return of Christ. So start changing your attitude of revenge to an attitude of love, and see if it doesn't make a difference in your life.

If you struggle with this idea, don't be to quick to throw it away and forget about it. Work it over with God, He loves those who struggle and who cry and groan to him. I read once that often our best prayers are not words but groans and mutterings of a struggling heart.

If you haven't given your life to Christ and you don't feel that God is listening, just remember what Christ did for you. He died on that cross, so that whomever believed on Him would have eternal life. John 3:16