Me: Jesus?
JC: Yes?
Me: People are hateful.
JC: I know.
Me: Why can’t people just be kind to each other?
JC: Abel asked me the same thing.
Me: And that was his own brother!
JC: Sin is sinister.
Me: You’re telling me!
JC: I am – telling you that is.
Me: Wait, what are you saying?
JC: How is your heart?
Me: It’ a mess. I admit.
JC: I agree.
Me: Forgive me?
JC: Of course.
Me: I’m so glad. I feel better now.
JC: We’re not done.
Me: What. Wait! What do you mean?
JC: That’s the first step.
Me: What’s next?
JC: Loving.
Me: I know. I know the drill – “Love my neighbor…”. You know that’s ALL the rage now. Everybody is spouting “Love wins.”
JC: Mmhmm, I’ve seen that. What do you think of the sentiment?
Me: It seems shallow. Hollow even. People only want to love people those they agree with or are just like them. But everybody does that. It’s not new.
JC: And you wouldn’t know anything about that – would you.
Me: Ummm, maybe??
JC: Let’s be more specific. How did Matthew say it.
Me: He says you said – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
JC: Pretty clear don’t you think? Not the same as just “Love your neighbor”.
Me: That’s a tough pill to swallow.
JC: It is. But it’s a hallmark of my Kingdom.
Me: So, just “Love my enemies.”
JC: Yep.
Me: And that will magically fix everything? (sarcasm font)
JC: Did I say that?
Me: Well not specifically.
JC: Well what’s it going to fix?
Me: My heart?
JC: Yeah, and that’s where it all starts.
Me: But what if I don’t want to?
JC: Excuse me?
Me: What if I don’t want to!
JC: Did you pledge allegiance to me?
Me: You know I did.
JC: …in response to me adopting you? Making you my own?
Me: Well, – yes.
JC: Then you have no choice.
Me: THAT’S hard.
JC: Yes…and no.
Me: But what about all these other people out here!
JC: You worry about that a lot.
Me: I do! It’s exhausting!
JC: …which is why I’ve told you not to worry about them.
Me: This is so complicated!
JC: Yes…and no.
Me: I just don’t like it when people spew hate – especially on me and those close to me!
JC: That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Me: Isn’t that MY line?
JC: Remember what I said. I send rain for everyone. Even my provision for people doesn’t satisfy. Remember, they mocked, persecuted and ignored me – crucified me. They didn’t even recognize me – and I was standing right in front of them. I’ve wept over them more than you ever will. Some people just want no part of me. But then- this conversation is more about you and I.
Me: I really afraid I’m going to miss what your trying to tell me.
JC: If we keep having these kind of conversations on a regular basis, you won’t. Trust me.
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That’s deep brother!
Thank you Kav. We gotta keep walking bro.
Loving … and loving unconditionally — it’s been the toughest, but most humbling part of my walk with Him. It continually opens up new areas of my heart I’ve found I’ve closed off to Him. And it’s been a reminder of His unfailing love for me (in spite of who I am, yet totally because of who I am in His eyes). I’m glad you’re writing. Keep it up!
Thank you, Christy. I’ve been finding that my love for others is often in direct correlation to how much I “think” he loves me. If I don’t think He does, I tend to be less loving toward others. The converse of that is also true.
And then we find ourselves in an one-on-one with the Shepherd. I am so good at rationalizing my reasons and actions with Him. And then there are the times I choose to follow what I think is best. How we must break his heart…
💛💛💛💛💛💛
Thank you Terri! Need to give you a hug next time I’m back that way.
So amazing Daddy. Thanks for sharing your real, honest, conversations with Jesus. His words ring true.
Thank you Gracie girl! Really appreciate the encouragement. 🙂