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January 1

By January 1, 2019365 Devotions

I Don’t Like Her, I Love Her

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness (1 John 2:9).

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-11

Song: “A New Commandment”

I waved goodbye to my sister in Christ and smiled, through clenched teeth. This was because I found the woman nearly impossible to work with. I found her to be cold and distant. To add to that, she had rejected most of my ideas for the project we were working on. I talked with the Lord about my frustration, concluding with, “I just don’t like her, Lord.”

The Holy Spirit responded, “I didn’t command you to like her, I commanded you to love her.” I stopped in my tracks to reflect on that more. I realized that love isn’t a warm fuzzy feeling I have to somehow produce myself; love is a command that sets out the way I choose to act toward a brother or sister in Christ.

I grinned as I felt my shoulders relax. I took a deep breath. “I can do that, Lord!” From that moment on, I made a point to love that sister and soon I began to like her as well. I discovered that she is warm, wise, and faithful.

If someone in your life is difficult to like, remember that God chose that person just as He chose you. Resolve to live in the light by showing that person God’s love with God’s help.

Father, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank You for loving each one of us as we are and for making us all different. Help me act in love toward my fellow believers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Jim Eichenberger

Author Jim Eichenberger

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