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The Unlovable
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
Perhaps you have faced this situation in your own assembly of believers. It is relatively easy for us to welcome a visitor in fine clothing to join us for worship, but what about the one who comes to worship God and has not the means to attain fine clothing? How about those among you that are simple minded and child-like, yet desire to stand in the presence of God just as you do? Is there room in your heart to accept such a person into the family of believers, or are your first instincts to reject them just as society does? Can you love the unlovable?
Rejection is not a new issue for believers. It has penetrated the walls of our churches in many forms, and is just as much of a problem today as it was in the days of the early church. Jesus said "…for ye have the poor always with you." (Mat. 26:11). The question is how will we respond to the poor, the outcasts and the downtrodden of society? How will we as a church deal with those that the world has written off? The answer lies within our own hearts. Are we willing to extend a hand of loving friendship to a hurting, lonely person who can find acceptance no where else? Now is the time to examine ourselves with the penetrating Word of God. How do we measure up to the words that bring light and life into our souls? Can we train ourselves to see beyond the outer appearance to the heart and soul of that individual and realize that they are also precious to God?
God looks upon all of mankind with the intention to draw people unto himself; all people. He looks for a heart that is devoted to Him and willing to be used. Those hearts come in a variety of shapes, sizes and packages, and God loves them without respect to their outward appearance. He paid the same price to redeem them that He paid for us. Is not their soul just as important to Him as yours?
As a church, it is imperative that we learn how to push through the boundaries set by society and minister to the poor, hurting, lonely and lost people that surround us who are desperately in need of love and acceptance. We must do just as Jesus did and love the unlovable.
Copyright 2001, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |