Step Up
“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”
I love the readings today because they teach us how to disagree. The scriptures tell us today, “Yeah, you’re probably not going to get along perfectly all the time. But here’s what to do about it.”
When I’m frustrated or annoyed or hurt by someone, I tend to villainize them. It’s really hard for me to assume they had good intentions. It’s hard for me to assume the best of them. But that’s not love. We’re called to “love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Our love for each other is a choice.
It will only cover a multitude of sins if we allow it. And to allow it - our pride needs to take a backseat. We must choose love over anger, over revenge, over vindication, over hurt, over frustration, over being right. We have to step up. Love must be the choice. It’s what we’re called to embrace. Because that’s what God offers to us.
We’re called to be like God, and He is all love all the time. If we want to become like Him, we must take on His heart - we must become love to others. Don’t get me wrong, this is not easy. It’s hard to forgive - it’s hard to turn the other cheek. It’s painful. No one wants to get slapped - physically or emotionally. But that’s the call - Jesus offers us an invitation to allow our love for others to trump our negative experiences.
Jesus offers us a better way.
It’s better. Not easier. It’s better. As Christians, the behavior of another cannot affect our behavior, which is a very tall order. I frequently fail at living this reality, but it’s true none the less. We don’t answer to those here on Earth, but to the One above. And His rules don’t change based on how we’re treated or if we’re triggered or if our culture handles things differently.
We’re called to “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” - no matter what the circumstances. We’re called to turn the other cheek, to forgive quickly and freely, to give generously, and to quit judging others.
It’s time to step up.
Be the bigger person. It’s hard, but it’s good. It’s challenging, but we can take it. It’s painful, but we’re hungry for growth. It’s humbling, but it makes us holy. It’s time to Step Up.
Father,
Thank You for allowing us opportunities to grow. Thank You for giving us a framework for handling disagreements and hurts and frustrations within community life. Thank You for teaching us how to treat each other. Thank You for asking us to step up.
Father, please help us. We struggle to swallow our pride. It’s really hard for us as weak humans. Please help us. We can’t do this walk without You, Lord. We need Your grace, Your Holy Spirit, Your love, and Your affection to have a shot at becoming love - becoming like You. Please send Your Spirit to help us.
Father, we love You. We want to be better. Help us to identify areas that need attention in our relationships so that we can mend what’s broken and bring Your Kingdom here on Earth by the way that we love each other.