People who are against You

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48

I have seen much in observing people.  In observing myself for that matter.  I my life I have not seen as much as others have.  Perhaps I might say that as we draw nearer to Christ's return that I have seen a degree of evil not seen since before the Genesis flood.

But in respect to people...a quote that I have heard "hate the sin, not the sinner" perhaps finds its roots in this passage. 

Many around you who are unbelievers will find ways to irritate you, to do things to you. To say things about you.  All of which might not be true.  How you react is what shows who is indeed inside of you. 

In another passage it says that where it be possible, be at peace with all men.  Doesn't say it will always be possible.  

This world will always be against what God stands for.  It's never going to become some enlightened society without God. 

Scripture says also that a man's enemies will be members of his own household.  Yes. That deep. 

The part that is on us is to still be Christ before them. 

The copout is for people who want to use "you shouldn't judge".  That's not at all what that passage is about.  We are indeed to be fruit inspectors. Scripture says we will know people by their fruits.  Now how in the world do you evaluate fruits without making a judgment be it good or bad? 

What we are NOT to do is condemn people as a hopeless lost cause. That is our judging people as unworthy of Salvation in Christ Jesus. THAT is the true meaning of what not judging is about.  It's not up to us to decide who is or isn't worthy of Salvation. 

Praying for those around us will certainly keep us busy enough.  Praying for our leaders is a commandment too. Right up there with praying for those who persecute us. 

So don't dig yourself a hole in the sand when strife comes from people around you. Don't look for reasons to despise people.  Don't sit and argue with people trapped in sin.  It only makes both of you look foolish.  Pray for them. The Holy Spirit can go where you cannot. He can blow right past their defenses straight to their hearts.  Many a sinner was saved right before death.  The thief on the cross was the first. 

Don't let it get you down either. The Apostles praised God after the rough time they had with Jewish leaders.  If you take their treatment of you personally it will cripple you. Turn it over to God. 

If a man's enemies will be members of his own house, it goes deep.  It's very personal.  But even more personal is who died for you.  Even more personal is those who were put around you at this very moment in time who need to see Jesus. Jesus didn't condemn the woman caught in adultary. He told her to go and sin no more.  We can do the same. He evaluated the fruit of her life and determined the right thing to say and do.

Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulations, but to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world.  Let the disappointment pass.  Plant a seed with the Holy Spirit. What do you think originally happened with you?

Your sins were just as great as that person whose treating you like they are. Someone planted a seed from the Holy Spirit in you and He caused it to grow in you. 

Christ will come back when the last person who is to be saved is saved.  I believe it will be like it began. The thief on the cross wasn't baptized. Never had communion. Never was able to be discipled before his death.  Jesus said that today he would be with Him in paradise.  

Don't expect paradise in this world. Man made things break.  People disagree and disappoint.  Keep your eyes on Jesus. Make the most of every opportunity. 

Jesus is right there with you.