Love them like Jesus...

 Today's Readings: OT - Joshua 3 / NT - James 2

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." - James 2:8-10 

We've all seen homeless, unkempt, and unlovely people along the way in life. It always encourages me to see some kind neighbor who will take time to give a helping hand. But it also saddens me when so many others avoid the downtrodden at any cost. How can we love one another and not love the broken soul?

James called us to a deeper level of compassion when he challenged our "Love Capacity". It's easy to love those who love us back and those who are lovable. Such are the people we choose to show that extra interest and care. But, if we are going to be consistent in our obedience to the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), we must take time to love the broken souls of our world.

Today you will meet someone. They will not win your attention or your desire to show compassion. They may offend you by their conduct and attire. How will you choose to treat them, my friend? Will you avoid them in the name of inconvenience or will "Love them like Jesus"?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Joshua 4 / NT - James 3