Loving the unlovables (postscript)

I think I might have found the answer to the question I was asking myself a few days ago - how to love the unlovables.

Today's sermon was "You don't have to fail". It was preached in the context of the book of Corinthians, where Paul was faced with unfair accusations about his gospel work. On top of giving a background of what happened during that era and why Paul wrote those letters, DRG also shared with us a real life example of a pastor who was falsely accused of not being there for his church members. Although he was eventually acquitted of the charges brought against him, he felt deeply unappreciated and taken for granted for his hard work, and as a result of his bitterness, his church was weakened.

I remembered this example because I learnt today that what life does for us, depends on what life finds in us. We are to have a clear conscience, a forgiving heart, and a triumphant faith. When faced with unfair criticism and accusations, we are to first make sure that our conscience is clear by not letting unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Secondly, we are to forgive those that hurt us by placing their feelings before ourselves and reaffirm our love for them, lest Satan has a foothold on the church and attack with our judgmental attitude. Thirdly, we should continuing serving with the surety that God is leading us, come what may. Our competence comes from God, and we do not fight for victory but from victory.

Going back to my earlier question, the lesson learnt today then is simple. Yes, there are unlovables all around - you and I are sometimes one too. But love them all the same. Build them up by saying encouraging words and give due consideration to their feelings because for all we know, they are probably already feeling bitter and frustrated about the way they behave too. And remember, we don't need to fight as victims in unfair  circumstances, because we are already victors in this life.

It is with this sense of enlightenment that I prepare to enter another week of what I would have termed as "chaos" earlier on. Now, I think it is God's way of telling me: "Now that I have given you the answer to your question, go and put into practise what you have learnt this week." 

My reply? "Sure, Dad. I will probably fall along the way but I know you will always be around to step in where necessary.  In case I got discouraged and can't see you amid the crowd though, just remember to give me a wave."