We are made to be loved, and it is literally the reason why God created us. From our earliest childhood to the day we pass over, love is the harbor we seek in times of trouble. A kind word, hug or kiss can be a real life saver when we feel like we are drowning.
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 5:44
As I am getting older, I am facing some harsh realities. The longer I live, the more I feel the effects of the pervasive antichrist spirit. I also see other strong Christians struggling to walk a Godly path in Christ Jesus, too. While many start out in their salvation with great conviction, life wears on them until they find it increasingly difficult to remain Christlike on a daily basis.
My goal in life, nowadays, is to finish my Christian walk with God in a positive manner, having been faithful for the portion that He gave me to do. As those around me seem to be distracted with the pressures of life and the influence of popular culture, I realize that it is important that I remain steadfast in my salvation and complete the race I began so long ago.
Though I desire to help those around me do the same, at some point one can only pray for those who are making unwise choices and stand strong in the face of the difficulties they are experiencing. You cannot live another’s life and you cannot make them manifest Christ’s Spirit if they choose not to. Sometimes, if they treat you badly, all you can do is bless them, and leave it at that.
Moreover, we never know exactly what another is going through. Most of the time, if someone is acting out, there are distinct reasons for it, which may be hidden or misinterpreted. When someone stumbles, rather than falling with them, it is best to remain upright and try to be there to hold them up if they reach out. In an ideal world, they would do the same for you.
In the end, we all stand before God and will give an account for our lives. That fact is that we don’t have to yield to the spirit of strong delusion that is rising in our day and age. If we simply trust God, do what He says on a daily basis, even if it is to do nothing in the face of belligerence, our Father will sort things out. When we do not return evil for evil, but show goodness and mercy to those who treat us despitefully, we may even give another space to realize what’s happening and change their mind.
I encourage everyone to stand by others in their day of adversity. Even if we cannot always be super spiritual while doing so, we can do the basics of common Christian decency, recognizing that we all are in need of grace and mercy, too. In this way, as Jesus said, we distinguish ourselves as the sons and daughters of God.