The older I get, the less I trust people and the more I trust God. God is the only One who has never hurt me or let me down. Yes, I’ve had hard times and experienced loss, but God was always with me and even used the difficult events to grow my faith and make me a stronger person. We can realize that God alone is trustworthy without becoming cynical toward mankind however. So how do we learn to trust again, even if the person we want to trust has hurt us before?

Before trust comes forgiveness. Now that may be even harder for us to deal with. Who doesn’t like to nurse a wound or hold a grudge? We somehow feel that we are getting even by doing this. Why in the world would Jesus tell us over and over in scripture to forgive others? That we must forgive others?

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Mark 11:25

First and foremost, no one person’s infractions against us can measure up to our lifetime of sin against God. How dare we gladly receive His forgiveness only to withhold our forgiveness to an individual.

It goes much deeper than that also. God has not given us a list of rules to go by just to make our lives difficult. He created us. He knows exactly what makes us tick. he knows exactly what is good for us and what will harm us in the long run. As a loving Father, He sets guidelines for our own protection. When He commands us to forgive, He is in effect freeing us from the bondage that an unforgiving attitude has over us. As long as we harbor resentment and hatred toward someone, that person has control over us. By forgiving them, we are freeing our spirits from their control.
What if that person doesn’t ask our forgiveness? Sorry, but that is no ticket out. It would be nice if they would, but God tells us to forgive, period. Even if they never admit wrong and never ask. Is it easy to do? Not hardly. And we may have to pray everyday telling God that we are choosing to forgive that person until finally it sticks and becomes real.

Now back to trust. Scripture tells us to trust God and not to rely on man. God knows man will always fail us. Trust that has been destroyed can only be gained back over time and only as that person proves himself trustworthy over time. It is possible to trust again but we probably won’t do so blindly. And trust will never come again until we have found it within our hearts to forgive. With forgiveness comes great freedom, and with freedom comes choices, and one of the greatest of those is to trust again.

Repentance is a big deal. It’s presence in scripture spans both Old and New Testaments with much repetition. It would seem God is very interested in us understanding how we should respond to our sin. As we will briefly see, feeling bad – living with a sense of guilt – is not what is meant by repentance. And ignoring our sin is certainly not repentance. Let’s look at some specific examples, collected with the aide of blueletterbible.org:

Repent, all of you who ignore me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.

Psalm 50:22

“Repent” in this verse is pulled from the Hebrew phrase biyn…pen, “consider…or else…”. Biyn has a range of meaning covering to consider, discern, acknowledge and pay careful heed. We see here a use of repentance that is focused on carefully considering our actions and motivations in light of God’s wisdom and revealed character. We also see the seriousness with which God expresses our need for repentance.

Perhaps the people of Judah will repent if they see in writing all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings.

Jeremiah 36:3

Jeremiah 36:3 combines Hebrew shama, to hear, perceive, attend to, regard and obey with shuwb, to turn back, to turn away. This further shows us that beyond just considering our actions, we are to pay careful attention to God’s voice and respond by turning away from what he has identified as opposed to his will and person. And from the lips of Jesus:

The people of Nineveh will rise up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now someone greater than Jonah is here–and you refuse to repent.

Matthew 12:41

Here we find metanoeo, a Greek word with the idea of withdrawing, turning away. It has in it the concept of mental direction, of changing one’s mind. A noun form of this word is used in 2 Peter 3:9, meaning something like, “an intention to change based on recognition of past sin and moral failure”.

The idea of “repent” has a heavy element of careful consideration, of deep thought. But it is thought that changes our behavior, that makes us withdraw from what is offensive and contrary.  It is a move of the will away from what God had declared harmful towards what God had declared beautiful and noble. Ask yourself the following:

• When you fail, do you apologize to assuage guilt, or do you repent the way the Bible describes it?
• When relationships fail, do your thoughts bring you to a place where you are willing to change your behavior to restore them?
• Is your love strong enough to make you give up your comfort and pride?
• Are you thankful for God’s patience and fatherly care and correction?

Love isn’t always simple.  Relationships, both romantic and platonic, can sometimes take on the characteristics of a playground, while at other times they more closely resemble a battleground.  The way the individuals in those relationships treat and respond to one another has a huge bearing on which venue is being occupied at any given moment.  That is why it is imperative that we heed the sobering words of Romans 12:18 closely:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

In each and every relationship you are a part of, you have a direct mandate from God to do everything in your power to keep the peace.  There is no relationship that you are in where you are exempt or “off the hook” from doing all that is humanly possible to keep things harmonious.  As the verse says, “As far as it depends on you…”

Our tendency, however,  is to hold a truckload of expectations over the head of the other party in any given relationship to make things peaceable for us!  Because of our selfish, sinful natures, we easily get caught in the trap of thinking when conflict arises in a relationship, it is the other person’s duty to come to us first. ” I mean after all, haven’t they read they’re supposed to do everything in their power to live in peace with me?”  Well, the truth is, no one is perfect, no not even you.  We all make mistakes and we all must live in keen awareness of our fallibility.  We must remain humble and apologize when we do wrong.  We must also be quick to forgive others when they wrong us.  After all, the Lord’s Prayer reminds us that mercy will be measured to us in the same manner that we offer it to others!  (Matthew 6:12)

However, in the course of this life, there are times when we forget or ignore our call to live in peace, and things go awry.  Then we must do what is necessary to restore peace.  If both parties in a relationship apply Romans 12:8, things should be resolved quickly.  But, unfortunately, circumstances sometimes do arise, where one or both parties are unwilling to take the initiative to seek and offer forgiveness…even among Christians. This grieves God’s heart.

So, to be blunt, if you are in a relationship where bitterness or division exists, stop waiting for the other person to come crawling to you.  Go to them!  And, if they have already come to you, and you haven’t already done so, forgive them!  That is your part in “living at peace with everyone.”  (You may not be able to humanly forget what happened, but with God’s help, you can forgive!)  If you have already gone to someone and sincerely asked for forgiveness, but they are unwilling to forgive and resolve the matter, don’t lose another night’s sleep! You have done what God has asked you to do by humbling yourself and going to them to reconcile.  You cannot be responsible for how the other person responds.  Continue to pray for them and for God to bring peace and resolution to the matter, however.  And, should God bring about a change of heart in them, be ever ready to accept their forgiveness and offer it in return, no matter how much time goes by.

Jesus died on the cross as a symbol of eternal peace-keeping between God and man.  There was nothing He wasn’t willing to do to make amends, despite the fact He had done nothing wrong to us.  As always, we are to follow His example.  If Christ can forgive us for all the rejection and betrayal and disrespect and disloyalty and disobedience and defiance we’ve shown to Him, on what grounds can we justify not doing the same for others?

God is the Heart-Knower and Heart-Changer.  Only He has the power to move you toward peace, and only He can move the other person in the same direction.  Make sure your heart is not resistant to God’s prompting and leading in your life, and trust Him to do the same for all those whom you are blessed to be in relationship with as well.

Remain humble, proactive, and in a state of prayer.  And, if you have done all that you can to live in peace with everyone, leave the rest in God’s hands and sleep well.

We need to move from feelings of remorse to words and actions that seek forgiveness!

So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.

If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

1 John 1:6-10

A good place to begin is realizing that we all sin. With the Spirit in our hearts, we feel a compulsion to change, to do something to address the issue. We can dull our senses to this, but if we are going to follow Christ, we need to pay close attention. Sin is serious business. It hinders our relationship with God, affecting our ability to be forgiven. Sin can devastate relationships, especially when it is allowed to grow unchecked.

So we all sin. But why seek forgiveness? Why not just realize we are sinners and move on? We don’t need to actually make others aware of our sin, right? This kind of attitude is contrary to the heart of God. The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17). Psalm 51 is one of the best examples of a man moved by the weight of his own sin. David cries out to God, having already confessed to Nathan.

Let’s look at some reasons to seek forgiveness:

• Often sin is pointed out to us. Denial is the wrong response. Admission and seeking forgiveness show that we recognize that we ave harmed another by our words or actions.
• Seeking forgiveness shows we are humble and aware of our imperfection.
• Seeking forgiveness shows that God is at work in our hearts – changing us.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight (Psalm 51:4). We hurt others. We sin against God. For both we need to ask forgiveness. While our actions and words have a weight and impact on others, they are not the only grieved party. God is moved by our sin because it goes against his nature and harms his children. When we ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt, without asking for forgiveness from God, we short-change our ability to truly stop the sin we asked forgiveness for.

But sometimes it seems easier to ask God for forgiveness and leave it at that. We just assume the other party will get over it. Or we avoid dealing with it because we know it will be difficult. This approach seems easier, less difficult. But to be honest, if we ask forgiveness from God without seeking it from those we have hurt, our request to God was probably a sham. We are probably taking advantage of a false-image of God we have constructed, a view of God that belittles him and what he has done for us.

Forgiveness is a good starting place as we try to restore severed relationships. We can’t get much further if we are not willing to accept that we have sinned. We can’t move to repentance. We can’t restore trust. Without forgiveness, we often shackle ourselves and those we have harmed together – unable to forget, unable to move on.

Today, ask God to reveal if there is someone who you need to seek forgiveness from. Have you been short and demanding? Have you acted out of arrogance, wounding someone in the process? Have you lied to someone, violating trust? Whatever it is, offer it to God and consider how he can use it. Then seek out the person and be real with them about your failure.

My hands have made both heaven and earth, and they are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66:2

]]> http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/25/will-you-forgive-me/feed/ 0 http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/24/real/ http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/24/real/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:08 +0000 George http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/?p=755

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

I probably don’t need to remind you, but relationships can be messy business. Spouses argue, whether it’s because there is actually a difference of opinion or one or both is in a bad mood. Friends misunderstand each others intentions, or become jealous of time spent with others. Sometimes, friends just do things to each other out of selfishness. Family members conflict over every little thing; sometimes proximity over time, sometimes out of their stage in life (teenagers rebelling, toddlers testing boundaries, etc.)

If you go to your nearest bookstore, you will find a book for every opinion on the best way to deal with relationship stress, relationship breakdown. You may have heard some of the ideas that are often suggested. Be transparent, allowing others to see your fragility: don’t wear a mask of strength and perfection. Don’t be needy. Be honest. Lie. Seek forgiveness, taking the initiative to restore the relationship. Be positive and encouraging, never critical. Some of the ideas you will find deserve a lot of thought, consideration and application. Others just miss the point – or are flat out dangerous.

Why do we get into so much relationship trouble in the first place? Is it because we go looking for it? Maybe, sometimes. But often, it is simply because we expect too much. We expect a standard of behavior that we ourselves can’t meet. We expect a measure of availability that we ourselves don’t live up to. We expect perfection. The slightest failure can be treated like the height of betrayal. Any omission, forgetfulness or distraction can be treated as a lack of care, a slap in the face.

Make allowance for each other’s faults. It is a simple truth. If you have expectations that are intolerant of other’s mistakes, then you need to reconsider your expectations. If failures are tallied and recorded so as not to be forgotten – or forgiven – you need to spend some time thinking about the depths of God’s forgiveness to you. This is how we want others to treat us, isn’t it? We want them to see past our mistakes.

Recognizing that it is unrealistic for us to expect perfection is not the same thing as “lowering the bar”, or giving trust without wisdom. It means we allow others to be real, letting them make mistakes and offering forgiveness quickly. This is the kind of heart that we have been given through the Holy Spirit’s work within us.

Before we can begin to look at forgiving, trusting, and breaking down barriers – all that goes into mending relationships – we must begin with giving each other room to make mistakes. Call it an “umbrella of grace”, or whatever you like. This is the kind of love generates peace and harmony; that shows the world you mean business.

Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:22b-23

What does it mean to find common ground?

We tend to focus on what differentiates us from each other. We build up barriers, rather than looking for opportunities to bridge what separates us. But the things that we share are stepping stones to sharing the gospel. Our common ground is what gives us credibility to speak about Jesus’ love  when people are in need of truth. Our common ground is what makes us real people in the eyes of those who are uncertain about what it means to be part of the body of Christ.

Common ground is having kids in the same school. Or being interested in a similar activity. It can be a shared background, like where we are from. Or it can be an experience we have gone through. It can be a shared passion, like sports, or fishing or camping. It is working together on a project, or commiserating about the travails of managing home and children. What matters is that we are willing to give it to God to be used for his glory and purpose.

What are some areas of common ground that have opened doors for you to share your faith? Are their areas that you have avoided allowing others into? Thank God today for the way he knows you inside and out, for creating you uniquely and building that uniqueness into the fabric of his plan for spreading the gospel.

]]> http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/21/common-ground/feed/ 0 http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/20/right-in-front-of-unbelievers/ http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/2009/08/20/right-in-front-of-unbelievers/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:00:49 +0000 George http://devotionals.themountchurch.com/?p=740 The way Christians treat one another tells the world whether we think the Gospel is true. No amount of talking about forgiveness is going to make the world receive it, until they have seen it in action. Love spoken highly of pales in comparison with love demonstrated at cost. And who will submit one ounce of their rights to another until they have seen how God truly blesses it?

The early church changed the world because it believed in its message. But that is not to say that the early church didn’t have conflict. The Bible shares with us many instances of conflict in the early church, and how it was resolved. One episode stands out to me, a passage in 1 Corinthians:

When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!

Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.

1 Corinthians 6:1-8

This is not the kind of thing we want to hear. This is not our natural inclination. Rather than have our day in court, proving that we are right and that the other person is wrong, we need to consider how our attitude – played out through action – looks to the world. How does it look to the world when a follower of Jesus acts like every other person on the block? Paul says that we should be ashamed if we can’t let ourselves be taken advantage of rather than give Jesus’ body a bad name.

The principle we find here is simple. Submit to one another.

The world will not understand putting others first until they see us forgo our rights to maintain peace and restore relationship. What a shame when believers buy into the lies of our culture, acting out bitterness, offering harsh and judgmental words, and stewing in their self-interest. People out side the church can see right through all the statements of faith to the heart condition. And so does God.

Especially in this area of legal disputes, we show whether or not we really believe in mercy, or demand justice. Justice is easy. I deserve it. I was hurt. I was taken advantage of. I deserve to be given what is mine. At least it is when we think we are in the right! But mercy is hard. Jesus demonstrated mercy over and over, though he had every right to offer God’s righteous judgment to the many hard-hearted that surrounded him. He even allowed himself to be prosecuted unjustly, to suffer the punishment meant for others, in order to be our example.

So how can you resolve conflict better so the world can see that you are serious about humility and forgiving those who have wronged you?

“Did you see the way that guy jumped over in the other lane! Honey, roll down your window. I want to give him a piece of my…” he said, thoroughly annoyed with the bad driving going on around him.

“Dear, there’s no need for that.” his wife remarked coldly.

“Just roll the… man, another stop light! It’s going to take an hour to go a couple blocks!” he responded, obviously agitated. The other car had just made the light, and he wanted to catch up.

“Dear, we’re in no hurry.” she said putting her hand on his arm.  There was silence in the car for an elongated minute. “Why don’t you calm down…” But she did not have time to finish the sentence before he gunned the engine, throwing her back in her seat.

“Green light.”

Driving is an exercise in patience. It can bring out the worst in us. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We just need to keep in mind that whatever we do we do in the power of Christ. Driving is no different. The Spirit doesn’t leave us when we get behind the wheel.

Does your attitude change in the car? Do you become more aggressive? If not, then please just humor today’s devotion. But many people do, becoming angry at the apparent “lack of courtesy” others show, all the time unaware that they just cut someone off, forgot to signal, or are speeding past a motorcycle dangerously close to the dividing line. Many drivers give loud rebukes, lay on the horn, and do whatever else they can to show their displeasure.

If you have a tendency to ride people’s bumpers to let them know that you want them to get over so you can go past… you know what I mean.

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, maliscious behavior, slander, and dirty language…You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:8,12-13

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.

James 3:17a

Here Colossians calls us to a better way, one where we demonstrate the nature of Christ in a tangible way. Your commute to work or church is not a “down” time. It is another opportunity to show the world kindness and patience, forgiveness and humility. And to practice the art of controlling the tongue. James reminds us that we are to think of others, to consider others before ouselves. Maybe even let them in your lane without rolling your eyes.

So start your engines…

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.

Philippians 2:3

“Hello, my name is Annie and I’ll be your server today.”  How many times do we have that experience (substitute various names for servers) on a regular basis?  Whether you’re at a 5 star restaurant or  the drive-thru at McDonald’s, each time you interact with a server, you have the opportunity to flesh out the verse above.

“Front desk, how may I help you?” Whether it’s the Marriott or Motel 6, every time you utilize public lodging, you have the opportunity to model the verse above.

“Do you have your bonus card or any coupons with you today?” As your first item makes it’s way from the conveyor belt to the bar-code scanner, you are faced with yet another chance to remember these ancient words…“In humility, consider others better than yourself.”

I have been out to eat with people who profess to know Jesus who treat the wait staff despicably!  After taking the time to bow and pray before digging into their appetizer, they proceed to discharge orders and bark requests at their servers as if we were living under some sort of class system!  From complaining about the difference between medium and medium rare to not getting their fourth beverage refill in a reasonable amount of time to sometimes even making critical comments under their breath about the waiters personality, I’ve seen it all and then some.  It is amazing how much liberty one can take when wielding the power of “the tip.”  However, I don’t think that just because we walk into an establishment where table service or check-out service is provided, that we are exempt from considering others better than ourselves!

Just because an employee at a service establishment may be on a lower pay scale than you, doesn’t entitle you to treat them as being less valuable than you.  After all, they are no less valuable in God’s eyes.  Romans 2:11 makes that abundantly clear when it says, “For God does not show favoritism.”  Everyone is equal in God’s sight and there is nothing anyone can do to make themselves more valuable to God, or less.  He loves all of us the same, and though He is perfectly divine, He modeled what it is to consider others better than Himself.  Let’ read on in Philippians 2, verses 5-8…

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

What a concept, giving up one’s privileges and volitionally taking on a more humble role in order to serve others.  When we are faced with the opportunity to be served, we must be very careful not to abuse that situation.  We should remain humble and remember that Jesus Himself came to earth, not to be served, but rather to serve.  (Matthew 20:28)

We are most like Christ when we’re taking on the role of the servant, not the served!  So, here are a few practical tips to help us all keep things in perspective:

1. When out in public, remember we are constantly being watched, especially by those who know we proclaim to be followers of Christ.  Represent Him well!  Even if you have a problem with your order or your bill or the number of towels in your room, handle the matter with humility and grace and remember that the way you address the situation will speak as loudly to the servers as any sermon they might hear.
2. Be extra kind to anyone who serves you.  They often find themselves in a thankless profession, and your words of encouragement and affirmation may be the only ones they hear all day.
3. Tip your servers well.  Don’t be a tight wad and try to find any reason possible to short-change them, give them a decent tip just because you want to share Jesus’ love with them, not because of how well they met your needs.  The people you encounter as you do your daily commerce are your mission field!  You may never go overseas to reach a foreign people group, but you walk through the doors to stores and restaurants and hotels and airports all the time.  See that as your field to spread the gospel for Christ!
4. Do things seemingly above and beyond the call of duty:
   • Leave a note in your next hotel room personally thanking the housekeeping staff for their work. Sign it on behalf of your family and tell them how the Lord blessed you through them! (Wasn’t having a clean room and nicely made bed a blessing?!)
   • Ask your waiter/waitress how you can pray for them when they deliver your meal. Kindly inform them you are about to thank God for your food and ask if there is anything you can pray for them about. While some people will not know how to respond to this, most are very receptive and actually provide an answer and are highly appreciative.
   • Say “Thank you” like you mean it. Make eye contact with your server, cashier, flight attendant, etc., and tell them how much you appreciate their service and how the job they did made your life easier.
   • Seek out other ways where you can serve those who are serving you or others. The sky is the limit on how you can tangibly consider others better than yourself.

Remember, each of us is given the power to influence others.  We are responsible for what we do with that influence.  Tomorrow is a new day, and tonight isn’t over yet…see how you can next “consider others better than yourself!”

Many of the Chinese ESL students are here in America to receive a college degree. They bring little with them and depend on public transportation, a ride from a friend, or their own two feet. One Sunday I offered a ride to one of the students. This gave me an opportunity to make casual conversation with him. He began to tell me about the remote village he was from and about his mother who attended the village church that had been started there. She was a believer but his father had no desire to learn about Christ. His father’s health is failing. He talked about his desire to complete his education in order to make enough money to provide for his parents. He looks forward to joining his wife who attends another university in the northern United States. He looks forward to returning to China one day and hopes his father accepts Christ before it is too late.

God opened my eyes that day to see an entire group of people as I had never seen them before. Determined people willing to leave everything familiar behind in order to gain an education they plan on using to help their families back home.

How many times do we puff up our chests with American pride and fill our minds with the notion that we deserve the good life due to where we were born? As if we had any control over where we were born! How many comments have we been guilty of making about foreigners needing to speak and behave like we do or else “go back where they came from”? Do we see them as individuals with the same needs that we have? Are we concerned about their greatest need of all which is to know Christ? We are fine with the idea of sending missionaries to them but feel uncomfortable when God sends them to us. And what does God really think about all of this anyway? Apparently, God felt so strongly about the importance of the treatment of foreigners that He directly addressed the Israelites concerning this subject.

In Leviticus 19:33-34 God spoke directly to Moses and said, “When a foreigner lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The foreigner living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”

What was true for the Israelites is still true for us today. “Love him as yourself.” God has said it and God always trumps our personal preferences and prejudices. In so doing, you will not only be obedient to God’s command, but you will also find a wonderful blessing along the way.