Love and Serenity

This may shock some of you but I wasn’t always a follower of Christ. I resisted Him for a large portion of my life but He quietly yet tenaciously pursued me, and He won my heart. During my resistance phase I dabbled in a few false religions and “philosophies” that sounded good and seemed harmless but at the end of the day left me feeling empty. I learned that I could search the whole world over, but nothing could satisfy except Christ.

One philosophy did teach that when you meet someone who just rubs you the wrong way, you should thank the universe for them because they are reflecting a character trait in you that you need to acknowledge and address. I wrestled with that but did find it to be true in many cases. It was the only thing I held on to from that brief season in my misguided youth.

How many of you find some of God’s kids annoying? Frequently, I find myself asking God for the ability to accept the fact that I cannot change other people, and the grace to be gentle as I deal with them. That’s not always easy, but I think of the grace He extends to me and I’m called to do no less. To whom much has been given, much is required. The only person I can change is me, so that’s the one I have to work on.

God is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we must acknowledge our need for help and ask for it. I know what manner of man I am. Yet He loves me and continues to pursue me in spite of myself. If He can do that, surely I can put up with His other kids. How are you doing with your love walk? What a great day to focus on it.