Last night we had our regular Sunday night study at our church. Typically, the same people show up.
But last night we had a family show up who I have a great fondness for. I love this family. And I had no idea they were going to be there. They brought such joy to me when they walked through our church door.
Did you know that people are lovely? Yes, we are a mess often. We need help. We fail. We stumble. We forget. We disappoint. We also cheat, lie, steal and kill......but God created us and because of that we are so lovely.
Most weekday mornings I make my husband breakfast, than sit with him while he eats it (I'm must a coffee drinker in the morning). Sometimes we talk. Sometimes we study the Word together. And sometimes I just stare at him while he eats.
I'm not trying to be weird, but when you love someone you can watch them just living and it makes you happy. When my kids are happy, enjoying life by just being themselves, it is fun to watch them (not when they're aware of it mind you).
God does this I think. He takes joy in us enjoying what He puts in our lives.
"For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'" Galatians 5:14
Do you know you might be the person who brings someone joy? Show up when you feel like you should up. Sometimes just being there makes a difference to someone.
Think of the people who would absolutely floor you if they came to visit. You could be that kind of person for someone else. If you have money it's easy to send money. Often, it isn't easy to show up and people know this.
At the study we were looking at Revelation. There is a sentence said by Jesus that tells us what He hates. He says in Revelation 2:6, "you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate."
I've been trying to find out what their deeds were. I read a couple sites and it seems many think the Nicolaitans were steeped in a bunch of religious rules that were designed to control the flock. They put pastors and leaders above the rest of the flock.
This was the kind of sin that Jesus condemned -- religious rules. He landblasted certain pharisees for them putting excess burdens on the people while not helping them at all.
Do we do this to others? Do our churches?
This isn't love. And this isn't a good way to show up either. By seeking to control we cannot see people as their lovely selves.
Like so many times I'm wandering in this post, but it all ties together in our love and actions toward others.
Ask God to help you see the loveliness in your peers, your fellow employees, your fellow church members, especially in the people who drive you crazy...Those especially are the one who need your love and understanding.