Recently, I saw an old college friend at a restaurant. While taking a few minutes to “catch up,” I mentioned how much respect I have for his Christian father-in-law who I’ve known for nearly thirty years. My friend stared at the ground, smiled, looked at me, and stated, “He’s been so good to me. He’s had faith in me that one day I would become a good man.” While our conversation was brief, I took a great deal from the few words this man spoke of his father-in-law’s patience. My friend has been treated well by someone and my friend acknowledged he needed someone to show him love & patience when he need- ed it the most. When we encounter others who don’t measure up to our expectations, how do we treat them? What is our attitude towards them? God shows us love and patience when we aren’t what He expects us to be. When we encounter others, do they see someone who is:
1) Patient: I Thessalonians 5:14 says Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
2) Committed to Christian service: Galatians 6:9 says And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
3) Offering the hope of Christ through care, attitude, and love: Romans 15:13 says Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Seeing the good in others allows us to introduce Christ. The best way to introduce Christ is to reflect Christ! Even when it is difficult, do you see the good in others?
