Grin and Bear Them? Loving Difficult People

I posted this on my FB writer & speaker page, as well as my Twitter today:

"Grin & bear it." That's the advice some give about loving the difficult people in our lives. But Biblical love is a fruit of the Spirit, so depending on Him to love through us is the only way that brings peace & life to the full. May the fruit of love be powerfully present in & through us today."

I've often wondered why it can be so difficult to love difficult people at times. While I come to a different conclusion every time I ponder it, today I landed on a Scripture that gave me some insight. It was Daniel 6:27 (NIRV): "He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the Heavens and on the earth."

In this context, it's about setting Daniel free from the lions. YES, that was a miracle.

But often, if I'm honest, I ignore the truth that God is still setting people free. Especially the difficult people. (understatement). He does miracles! He turned my unbelieving heart around, He set me free from death and its grip, and He saves me each and every day from all kinds of icky stuff, like when I'm that difficult person in someone else's life.

Sometimes I think I struggle to love the thorny people in my life Christ's way because I don't reflect on the fact that He still does miracles. HE alone can transform a person's heart. If He can turn the water to wine, He can turn the whiner into a worshipper. If He can heal the sick, then He most surely can cure the selfish and mean. If He can die on a cross after living a sinless life, then I can die to myself and let Him love blamelessly through me.

By His grace and because of His unfailing love, He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the Heavens and on the earth. And even in me and through me...and in and through you too.

The question is, will we believe in and depend on Him to be Love through us today?

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Tossin' the Cape...Again.

For those who've heard me speak, "the SuperCape" is a part of my testimony. It's dramatic, but it fits. I've tried to burn the thing, but somehow I'll find it back in my closet to try on again.

Well, I haven't been sporting it quite like the above picture, but I've been wearing it underneath my clothing lately. As I've prayed about it, the Holy Spirit's been reminding me of who I am in Christ when I lay down my cape (completely), staying clothed with Him alone.

"You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?"

Galatians 3:1-5

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

The day I received the gift of forgiveness for my sins from Jesus, I also asked Him to reign in me. He has given me everything I need for life and for godliness through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I don't know why I sneak my cape back on sometimes, but I do know it isn't long before I crash and burn in my own super strength. I'm thankful I can always trust Him to lead me back on His road...the one where I am weak and He is strong...the one where I'm a fool and He is the Star...the one where I walk calmly instead of try to run or fly...ahhhhhh, I'm right where I wanna be...again.

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