Redeemable
From God's perspective, we are all redeemable.
As I ponder this truth, I can't help but think of the people who annoy me and wonder if this lovely sentiment applies to them.
I know that sounds super spiritual, but I'm guessing you are picking up what I'm putting down.
We all have those people who grind our gears, and more often than not, we only focus on what irritates us about them.
But God loves them just as much as He loves us. So, how can we try to see the best in others the way God does for us?
I remembered a piece of wisdom I heard many years ago about the things that annoy us about others being denied issues we ourselves struggle with.
We are mirrors of each other, and the things we admire or despise about another are within us.
I had to give myself a good talking to about this recently.
God's love and light can enter into the cracks of our brokenness and make something redeemable out of us.
There are many stories in the Bible of Jesus hanging out with the discarded and diminished members of society. He knew that no matter how others saw them or how they saw themselves, they were loved by God and had redeemable qualities within them that could be used for good.
Jesus saw the love of God within all of those He came to serve and save.
If Jesus can focus on our redeemable qualities, we should, too.
The next time I feel annoyed or frustrated with others, I will pause for a minute, look for redeemable qualities, and offer loving kindness.
It's probably a good idea to remember the wisdom I learned long ago, look in the mirror, and figure out why things bother me.
Chances are there is a crack within me that God is trying to repair and heal.
The redeemed part of me sees the redeemed part of you.
Imagine the love, kindness, grace, and mercy flowing between us all if we looked at each other this way!
It would be so beautiful!
1 Corinthians 13: 5-7
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”