It’s Not Fair

Typical words you would expect from a three year old who has to give back a toy he took

from his playmate.  In his mind, he wanted the toy and anything that stood in the way of that goal was unfair.

As we grow, we begin to sense of the world revolving around us and hopefully are able to see the other person’s side too.  Things generally run smoothly when everyone is  putting the other person first.  But, what about the times when your friend, parent, sibling or spouse isn’t putting you first? They have acted or reacted selfishly.

The world quickly spins into unfairness.  You have a couple of options. You can dig deep and try really hard to act kind while seething inside.  Or maybe you just drop the act and react negatively in action as well as thought.   I’ve not found either of those options to work out very well. I’m guessing you probably agree.

So what do we do? It’s really hard to be nice to someone who doesn’t deserve it.  

Don’t love them on their own merit.

Love them based on Jesus’ merit.

It’s pretty hard to top Jesus.  Jesus loved to the point of death. He is always merciful, gracious, kind and loving. He always has your best interest in mind.  Always. When you look at the one who is offensive toward you, visualize an image of Jesus between you and that person.  You are now able to freely lavish your undeserving friend  with love, grace or whatever is necessary in that moment.  Don’t do it because your friend deserves it, do it because Jesus does.  There is no amount of love you can give that would leave Jesus in a debt to you.

A child says it his mom, “I love you more than you love me.” The mom says, “No, I love you more than you love me.” and round and round they go.  Jesus – He really does love you more.  So, so, so much more.  You can spend the rest of your life trying to show Him love and appreciation for all He’s done by loving those He created, and He’s still going to have you beat.  That’s a lot of love, my friends.

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Car driving too slowly in front of you?  Give them grace as if it were Jesus in the car.

Husband late for supper and didn’t call? Give him love as if it were Jesus who was late.

Kids on your last nerve? Give them kindness as if it were Jesus.

Doctor running late? Give him patience like you would give Jesus.

Wife nagging again? Give her grace as if it were Jesus asking.

When we have confessed our sins, God looks on us and doesn’t see us in our sin. By the blood of Jesus we are washed white as snow Isaiah 1:18. When He looks at us, He sees us  through Jesus, the perfect sacrifice Rom 3:23-25. We are forgiven and made whole.  Let us look on those around us through the same lens God uses to look at us. Let us offer love, grace, mercy and kindness to those around us, not because they deserve it; but because we are in awe of all Jesus has done for us.

Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”