Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:5
How do you deal with people that annoy you or that seem snobbish or distant?
Ignoring them, shutting them out, or avoiding them may seem like the easy way to
deal with people who seem less than pleasant, but it isn’t God’s way. God knows that there is more to that person than you see on the surface. Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." In other words, there are times when the way we perceive a person’s outside behavior isn’t a true reflection of how they really feel. As Christians, He wants us to reach out to everyone, even those people that we would rather avoid. God wants us to:
* Pray for them.
* Share what we have with them.
* Be willing to listen to them.
* Be available to help them when they are in need.
* Offer advice when appropriate, but only after much thought and prayer.
* Show them the same quality of love and kindness that God shows to us.
What are some practical, everyday ways that you can reach out to that “unpleasant” person that you know? Make a list of several options. Then choose one, and reach out and love someone today.
“Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to swallow my pride and to be willing to reach out and love the unlovable, just the way You love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.