God’s Love · Comfort and Encouragement

And what about that person? How long must I put up with them?

3 min read, approximately

“See with what large letters I write to you in my own hand. All who want to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, only to avoid persecution because of the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not keep the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.” (Galatians 6:11-13)

Who has given us the authority to reject our neighbor because they do not have what we desire—a gift, talent, social standing, position…? How many times have we passed judgment on our own neighbor when we are often in the same or a worse condition? How many times have we preferred to complain about our neighbor so that they would be pushed aside, instead of helping them grow? The saddest part is that we do not even notice that we end up setting a bad example for newcomers, who quickly recognize this poor attitude… Let us see what God says about this through his Word: \1. I must be merciful:

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)

\2. I must love my fellow human being:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

\3. I must rejoice that they are beside me:

“Finally, all of you, be of one mind, compassionate, loving one another as brothers and sisters, merciful, and friendly.” (1 Peter 3:8)

\4. I must build them up:

“Let each of us please our neighbor for their good, to build them up.” (Romans 15:2)

\5. I must always wish them the best:

“So in everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you, for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

\6. I must not judge them:

“Therefore let us no longer judge one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in a brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)

\7. I must bless them:

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Will we keep saying, “And what about that person? How long must I put up with them?” Or rather, what will we do for our neighbor from today onward?

May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook