People

Living the Christian life would be really easy if it were not for the other people around.  Ever thought that?  Ever thought that if no one else was around you would have no trouble doing all the things you need to do? I mean it would be so easy to be kind if they would just be kind to me.  I could tell the truth if I did not have to impress my boss. I would be patient if they were just a little easier to get along with!

It is interesting that the church is just as difficult a place to get along with people.  We all have different personalities and different ideas of how things should be done.  And sometimes these clash and cause conflict.  When this happens there are a few verses that I think we should remember.

Ephesians 4:31-32
     We know the second verse in this set.  We know that we are to be kind, but have you ever thought about how hard it is to be kind without letting go of the bitterness, wrath, anger, slander and malice in verse 31?
     Have you ever thought that this verse is here because of the tendency we have as people to exhibit this kind of behavior?

Philippians 2:1-11
     Here is a challenging one where we realize that the way that we relate to one another is directly impacted by how we have related to the things that Christ has done for us.  And that how we relate to one another is connected to how our ultimate example - the Lord Jesus Christ.  For me this puts into perspective the things that I have to endure.  Sure people can be harsh but they whipped and beat Jesus.  Sure  they can be mean, but they killed Jesus.  And Jesus still loved them.

Today, remember that God loves you enough to include other people in your life so that you can demonstrate His love to them.  Even when they are difficult!