Christ-Like

My children attend an AWANA program every Wednesday evening during the school year at a local church here in Hinesville. I love how much of the Bible my children have been learning and I love the people who are committing to be there every week to teach them. I have, however, come across a couple of people who have been very cold and rude to me (I don't think they are this way to my girls, though..). I am unsure if I have offended them in some way, or if they maybe just don't like me. But, either way, John 13:35 continues to pop in my head. It is a beautiful and short verse that explains how, as a Christian, you don't have to wear a sign or walk around bashing people on the head with the Bible. People will know you are a Christian by your love for one another. How you treat others with kindness and love. Even those who are strangers, and even more so, those who are your "enemies".  If I didn't know these people are involved in their church and actively volunteer with the children, I would have guessed they didn't know Jesus at all. 

The message today at church definitely coincides with this. What I am saying to others and how I am treating others (especially those who I may not enjoy being around or who seem to constantly irritate me) is a direct reflection of my love and relationship with Christ. If I am truly walking with the Lord and following Christ, then I should be treating people as I would my own family. We are all family in Christ and as different as we are, we need to love each other in spite of our differences. We are not worthy to judge or condemn. We were made to love. So that old saying mom always repeated, "think before you speak", will be in the forefront of my mind and I hope yours too.

I have continued to be amazing by the love and generosity I am witnessing here in Georgia. The wonderful people I am meeting through Restoration Church has changed my outlook on people and the relationships I have with them. "Southern Hospitality" has nothing to do with it (as most of these people are military and aren't actually from here), but Jesus is the one responsible. NO doubt in my mind.

 My family has been overwhelmed with blessings from people who range from close friends, all the way to perfect strangers. I look at the accumulating pile of baby items that were generously given to us, and I am amazed. The average Joe would have sold these things and could have made quite a bit of money on them. But, these God-fearing people just want to love on us and help us out. We were given an extremely generous blessing the other day that goes to show how God moves and works and always provides. This blessing was anonymous, which bothered me at first because I sincerely wanted to thank them and tell them what is means for us. But, I realize, that this "anonymous" didn't do it for the glory, but rather to give the glory to God. Therefore, it has been God who has been getting the thanks from me. The one who deserves it most.

 We are so blessed to be here and be witnessing the amazing power of the Holy Spirit working in people's lives. To be the direct target of it so often is overwhelming and humbling. We do not deserve this, but we will do whatever we can to serve and love on others as we are constantly being loved on. Praise HIM for all he is doing for us. We are "grateful lovers at your feet".