Hi everyone,
Sharing a devotional with you from 9:51-56 – How do we Treat Those Who are Hard to Love?
What stood out to me in this passage was when the disciples were in Samaritan and was about to call fire down from heaven to destroy them because they did not welcome Jesus. We all know the relational history between Jews and Samaritans have been tarnished. Now, as Jesus heads to Jerusalem, the disciples even thought he’s going to reign as King who will deliver Israel from Roman rule. Now, King Jesus is stopping by Samaria to prepare His way to Jerusalem. However, the Samaritans show no respect by not welcoming Him. Due to their disrespect and unwelcoming, the disciples were about to call fire down from heaven to destroy them.
How often do we have the same or similar mindset when people are against us? How do we treat those who are hard to love? When we are not being treated a certain way or when we are not being accepted, do we have bad thoughts in our mind wanting to hurt or harm them in return? This however was not how Jesus wanted them to treat the Samaritans as Jesus rebukes His disciples. Jesus rebuked His disciples because judgement was not the reason why He came. Jesus came to save and offer grace to the world which included the Samaritans as well. Jesus wanted His disciples to extend love, grace and mercy to those who are against them. In fact, that’s how Jesus loved and treated us when the world rejected Him. Now, He’s calling us to follow Him and do the same things.
May we remember the example of Jesus as we encounter those who may treat us with contempt. Jesus taught us to bless our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. May we emulate the love and the grace of Jesus to others even when they may be hard to love. May the Holy Spirit fill us so that we can love like Jesus.
Blessings,
Kelsey