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Motivated By Love

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Today I am struck by the compassion we are called to show to those who are undeserving in the eyes of others, to see others with the eyes of Christ.  Seeing others with the eyes of Christ doesn't mean I overlook incompetencies or imperfections.  Christ didn't.  He called us to an even higher standard than the law did.  Jesus separated the actions from the heart.  Think of the woman at the well, for instance.  Jesus loved her for who she was; he didn't hate her because of what she did.  She left him and sinned no more because she knew she was loved.  In the same way, Jesus loves us for who we are; he doesn't hate us because of what we do.  His love in us is what changes our actions.  Jesus' death on the cross was motivated by love, not hate.  He spoke words of love from the cross, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 I have learned to separate the action from the person.  I have learned to recognize the pain being felt and to show compassion at the appropriate time in the appropriate way to bring restoration.  The most important aspect of dealing with people is to see them with the eyes of Christ, which can only be done if you have Christ living in you.

Comments

  1. HeatherMarch 1, 2014 at 8:57 AM

    This one is my favorite so far I think! Thanks for writing Abbie!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abbie CoffeyMarch 1, 2014 at 9:07 AM

    Thanks, Heather! This one was tricky to get worded the way I wanted to say it. I'm glad you like it. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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