They replied, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus responded, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do Abraham’s works. Instead, you want to kill me, though I am the one who has spoken the truth I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do this. You are doing your father’s works.” They said, “Our ancestry isn’t in question! The only Father we have is God!” Jesus replied, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God. Here I am. I haven’t come on my own. God sent me. Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? It’s because you can’t really hear my words. Your father is the devil. You are his children, and you want to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has never stood for the truth, because there’s no truth in him. Whenever that liar speaks, he speaks according to his own nature, because he’s a liar and the father of liars. Because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. Who among you can show I’m guilty of sin? Since I speak the truth, why don’t you believe me? God’s children listen to God’s words. You don’t listen to me because you aren’t God’s children.” (John 8:39-47, CEB)
No matter who we encounter our go to response has to be love.
God loves us even though we do not deserve it and because of that love, we are given the ability to love others and help them see that God loves them.
So regardless of the crowd believing Jesus is God’s son if they actually followed God they would have loved Jesus and should not want to kill him.
I know there are people out there we really want to hate, but we have to love them. That is what being a follower of Christ calls us to do. It doesn’t mean we approve of their actions or believe what they say, and it doesn’t mean we like them actually. We have to love them. and want the best for them. That will heap burning coals on their heads and allow God to work in and through the situation and them.
Love.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 