Valuing People Like Jesus

On one hand, add up the people in life you value the most.  This list may include your spouse, children, family, close friends--anyone who REALLY matters.  If they were struck with a potentially terminal illness, would you mortgage and sacrifice EVERYTHING in an effort to give this person more time on earth with you?  You better believe it!!!

On the other hand, count the people who have caused you the most pain in life, people for which you potentially hold a great measure of disdain.  They may have bruised and beaten you, possibly even broken you.  In reality, you have little use for them and their lives matter little to you.

Jesus sees the people you have counted on both your hands, and He was willing to stretch out both of His Holy Hands as a sacrificial offering to redeem both groups.  The person you value least in this world is priceless (in the good sense) to Jesus Christ.

Christ may not be pleased with the actions of your foe, but He is exalted when you extend grace to that person who has pained and persecuted you!  Jesus talked repeatedly about loving our enemies, yet how many of us who call Him Savior practice His teaching in this area?

Your life has immense value to God--enough that He would allow Jesus Christ to die on your behalf.  Your enemy's life has the SAME value in His eyes.

Grace is always great to receive, but it's even more beautiful to give!

May we show the light of Christ to a dark world by the way we forgive, love, and serve those whom we have considered enemies.  

Comments

[Jamie Koch]

Thanks for this article Nolan. I am grateful there are people speaking out for the love of Christ.

[Kevin]

"Christ may not be pleased with the actions of your foe, but He is exalted when you extend grace to that person who has pained and persecuted you!"

That is just amazing. Hope you don't mind me posting that all over the world.

[Larry Westfall]

What a great reminder that God doesn't see humanity the same way we do. We can easily discount people based on their actions but God never does. He always see our potential.