Over the last couple of days I feel like our group has heard some pretty tough, but gentle words from the Lord. Two things keep coming up; conviction of compassion towards people that are hard to love, in addition to allowing God to trust us "with very little, so that we can also be trusted with much" (Luke 16:10).
It's always hard to receive discipline from the Lord, but oh how sweet it is when He draws you into His arms! I read yesterday in Luke 16 about Lazarus. Though this is not the first time I have read his story, it seemed to hit me a little harder this time. Lazarus was a beggar, covered with soars, longing to eat what fell from a rich man's table. In vs. 21 of Chapter 16, Jesus tells of how even dogs licked the sores and wounds of Lazarus. So here you have it; a man, detestable to all those around him . . . Let's face it, there are people in our life, whether it be at our workplace, school, church (yes church), family, or even those we minister to, that are hard to love. It is a challenge to love as Christ loved. If I am being honest with you there are people here in the Quip that are hard to love; those who are ungrateful, those who think the world owes them something, those who are manipulative, those who take advantage. Let me make it very clear though, this is not only in the Quip where you find these particular people. This happens all over. Even more, I am probably guilty of falling under some of these categories at some points in my life.
Who is the Lazarus in your life? Who is the person in your life that is hard to love, yet God has called you directly to minister to? HE CALLED YOU TO LOVE. When that situation arises, when you see the ultimate reflection of God's love from one human being to another, IT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL PICTURE EVER PAINTED.
Love God. Love your Lazarus. Love deeply.
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