Anger, love and first John

I was reading first John today, all about loving our brothers and sisters in Christ and if we don't love the people we see, we can't love God who we don't see...etc.  It really resonated with me.  I tend to be a bitter, angry person. I see the faults in people before I look for the good, and I often forget to love.

Then I went to church.  Down the stairs into the kids ministry I went, and wouldn't you know it, there were two kids that I just...dislike.  They are sulky and rude (to adults, I think), and don't play well with others.  Immediately upon being presented with my two little tots, they began displaying all of the traits that I find so unlovely...and immediately I began a little tirade against them (and truth be known, their parents) in my heart.  I don't need to fill you in on that part, because I'm sure that you've had a similar experience once or twice.

Anyhow, after a few minutes of trying to get everyone to play nicely and grumbling to myself in the meantime, the words of first John came into my mind: "A person who has no love is dead...We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us...dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...dear friends let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God...since God loved us...we surely ought to love each other...If someone says "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God whom we cannot see?  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters..." 

I looked up at the sticky little faces in front of me, little hands clutching a toy that one child did not want to share with another, teary little eyes, whining tirade already in progress, and gently putting a hand on each child's shoulder, I proceded to gently help them with as much of God's love as possible.

Coming home tonight I will spend a while before the throne, asking forgiveness of one who has never yet stopped loving me...for I am, sins and all, His beloved.