Jesus liked people, and drew out the best in them
"Jesus also loved to praise other people. When he worked a miracle, he often deflected credit back on the recipient: ‘’Your faith has healed you.” He called Nathanael “a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing
false.” Of John the Baptist, he said there was none greater born of women. Volatile Peter he renamed “the Rock.” When a cringing woman offered him an extravagant act of devotion, Jesus defended her against critics and said the story of her generosity would be told forever."
--Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew
Think of someone in your "world" who Jesus would probably diagnose as "sick" or "hot-headed" or "misguided." Recognizing that you do not know all the details of that person's circumstance, ponder what it is that makes them difficult, standoff-ish, rude, unsocial, or unwell. Based on Jesus typical answers to people in need (Matthew 11:9-11 is another good example), what would the Lord's interaction with this person possibly entail?
Can you honestly say you like these persons? If not, what changes might you be willing to make in your behavior that could eventually affect your attitude toward them? If you do like them, in what ways are you currently expressing concern for them or encouraging them?
Lord, we are overwhelmed with the fact that you love us just as we are. Can it be true that there is nothing we could ever do that would cause you to love us any less than you love us right now? Conversely, there is nothing we could ever do, no matter how wonderful or meritorious, that would result in you loving us any more than you do right at this moment. It seems the only condition we can place on your love is our willingness to act on what we know to be true and experience the joy that comes with living in the light of your love. Teach us how to love others in the way you have loved us. And for whoever might be in need of a reminder of how much you care, would you graciously communicate your love in a personal way as we study your Word? We pray these things in Jesus' name. Let it be so; Amen.
