Love People Even When You Don't Agree With Them

There are 8 billion people in this world and not one of them are exactly like you. So what does that mean? That means there is a really good chance you’re going to have to deal with people who don’t see things the way you do. That don’t have the same political beliefs, family background or economic concerns as you...but we have to love them. Jesus said so. You don’t have to agree with people to love them, but we can show them respect. I know, it can be hard. It IS hard. But let’s try and do it without arguing. Most arguments are pointless. We only have so much energy each day and to give it to wasteful and time sucking arguments, including ones on social media, means we have nothing left in our relational reserves for those closest to us. You might say, “But I need them to hear my point!” Why? To win the argument? To sound smarter? We can’t change people. We can only change ourselves and be in control of how we respond. Don’t let argument-prone people dictate your actions. If the other person just wants to argue, then asking questions isn’t worth our time. If someone in your life, whether they’re a family member or acquaintance, is trying to annoy you, consider walking away. Those kinds of interactions do nothing to build a bridge in a relationship. They only strain it more.Listen man, as followers of Jesus, we should set the standard for respect because of who Jesus is in our lives. He doesn’t force us to follow Him but died on the cross so we would. Let’s represent Him well as we come into contact with people who know Him and those who don’t. Let’s lovingly discuss with our fellow believers and also not expect non-Christians to act like Christians. As we show people respect in how we treat them, we can trust that God is working in the situation.“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.”Romans 12:9-10 Be Nice. Grace wins. FMJ*I noticed today I was misdating the month of these the last few days. I’ve been writing it wrong all week as well…my brain is broken I guess, sorry.