Convicted

A few days ago I told a friend that "I really don't like most people". I was only half-joking. And to be honest, it is not the first time I have said it, or the first time I have meant it. That being said, it is the first time I have allowed God to speak to my heart and convict me about it. In the last few days he has gently reminded me that He has called me to love others. This is my " job" as a Christian, right there after loving God and living in communion and relationship with Him.

For me, this is hard. After some deep, soul-searching I have found that my dislike towards others is nothing more than my selfish desire to protect myself from being hurt and rejected. I so often think that is a good enough reason to remain introverted and to isolate myself. But if I am to live my life as Jesus did, then I have to recognize that Jesus came knowing he would be rejected, not only by his enemies, but his closest friends and confidantes. He knew this and yet He still came, loved and died for our sins, knowing the rejection and pain that would come by putting Himself out there. He was a living example of loving people no matter what, and my choice to shut people out to protect myself is a complete contradiction of the example Christ set for us.

In the past few days, I have once again been chastised, humbled, taught and ultimately loved by the God who wants nothing more for me to love Him and to love others.