Strong spirits: selfless
These times demand a concerted effort to not give in to the anger that bad behavior creates.
How do you feel about rude people? Self-centered and self-seeking people? I know... we don't like it much. Here's a harder question - are you ever rude or self-seeking? I think at times, even the best of us are.
I can tell you who never was. Jesus was the most selfless person that ever lived. It was selfless enough that he left heaven as God to live among us as a man. But it was far more selfless to allow himself to be rudely treated, brutally beaten, and eventually put to death. Why would he do that? Love. Love for all of us compelled him to allow this.
There are plenty of examples and instructions in the Bible of the importance of putting others ahead of ourselves: "love your enemies"; "he must increase, and I must decrease"; the good Samaritan. When we are treated rudely, the natural response is to be rude right back. God says love is a better option. "Love is not rude or self-seeking." (1 Corinthians 13:5)
These times demand a concerted effort on our part to not give in to the anger that bad behavior creates. With God's help, as Jesus abides in us, we can turn the tide and do what's right. We can respond with love. Let's do it!
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
