Just Love Them

Lynda Hanna

“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

While watching animal rescue videos on YouTube recently, I was touched by a non-profit organization that travels through the country to rescue abandoned and abused dogs throughout the U.S. I have a soft spot for dogs, so I cried when I saw the animal rescuers reach out to these poor dogs. Some of them were so tiny it’s hard to believe that someone could abandon them.

The rescuers brought food – usually a cheeseburger – with them to feed the dog and gain its trust. Little by little, the dog would respond, some would shake with fear and anxiety and others would cower away. In the end, after the patient attempts of the rescuers, all the dogs, whether big or small would end up in the arms of the rescuer as if they’d been friends for life. All they needed was love.It’s amazing that dogs are referred to as man’s best friend. We can learn a lot about love from our furry friends, who judge us not on appearance or whether we brushed our teeth in the morning. If dogs, who have no soul, know how to love then what excuse do we as people have?

Like the animal rescuers in the video, Jesus went to people, loved them unconditionally and met their needs. He fed the crowds that gathered to hear him, offering them the words of life that they so desperately needed. Jesus met their human need first, and then he offered them words of life. He loved on the people no matter who they were, or what they looked like. He saw them through the eyes of the Father and had the vision to see their potential.

When approached by the Pharisees about his partaking with sinners, Jesus’ reply was, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

How often do we give up on people because they don’t look the way we think they should? We judge them because of their piercings or the tattoos, never taking the time to get to know their heart. We often feel that evangelism is complicated. We create formulas and curriculums on how to get people saved, or get them to come back to church, when all they’re looking for is love. That seems to be the most difficult thing to offer, but it’s the ultimate answer.

Next time you see someone that looks like they’re lost or on the wrong path, rather then judge them with your spiritual convictions, why not show them the love of God? If Jesus the Messiah went out and pursued the outcast, what makes us so above that? And while you’re at it, why not offer them a cheeseburger!

Father, You saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Help me to mirror Your love and compassion to the people I come across today. Help me to speak of You in word and deed and to love others as You have loved me. Amen

Question: Why do you think it’s so easy to judge people? Is there someone in your neighborhood that you can reach out to this week?

Evangelism is easy when you remember that it’s a conversation, not a debate. Learn how to share your faith naturally and effectively.

http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2013/01/25/just-love-them/