Them Or Us?

When we find ourselves struggling to LOVE (or like) someone, is it really always about them? Or on further honest self-evaluation, could we really find it is about us. There are times when someone despises another, not realizing it is actually because that individual reminds them too much of themselves; their own short comings. Sometimes people are also simply jealous of the good in others and decide they don't want to be around them. Perhaps there are also the times when opportunity has not been taken to really get to know the other person and therefore their character is misjudged.

Part of the tendency in all of this dates way back into the history of mankind. John, making reference to the first human family to walk the face of the earth ( Genesis 4), wrote. . .

"(11) For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that WE SHOULD LOVE one another. (12) WE SHOULD NOT BE LIKE CAIN, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And WHY DID HE MURDER HIM? BECAUSE HIS OWN DEEDS WERE EVIL AND HIS BROTHER'S RIGHTEOUS." ( 1 John 3:11-12 ESV)

Where was the LOVE God has expected since the beginning of time? Where was the fault? Cain was at odds with his brother Abel, but it was because of sin in himself, not in the life of his brother. Cain allowed his own unapproved actions to lead to envy (or jealous resentment) which then led to hatred toward his brother which ultimately led to murder. This reveals how far the wrong focus can lead!

Feelings of our own guilt can cause us to have the wrong view toward others which can then lead to mistreating them. As John pointed out in the context of his writing here, let us remember the devil is behind such. Often our own proper attitude can dynamically change the way we view others and bring us to a point where we can actually be of help to them.

If we are wrong, let us not take it out on others. Let us not allow the devil to move us down his path. May we keep the door closed to him (note Genesis 4:7) as we accept God's guidance down His path and seek the best for others as well. Allowing LOVE to prompt our action and view toward others is always the righteous path to take.

Have a great day FOLLOWING THE DESIRE GOD HAD FROM THE BEGINNING!
Carl

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