TOUGH TO LOVE

TOUGH TO LOVE

READ:
Acts 13:13-23

Now for a time of about forty years
[God] put up with their ways in the
wilderness. -Acts 13:18

Years ago I was a camp counselor for some rebellious boys.  I found it challenging to deal with their behavior.  They would mistreat the animals at the petting zoo and occasionally fight among themselves.  So I adopted a calm and firm approach to leading them.  And although they often exasperated me, I always made sure their physical needs were taken care of.

Even though I had a kind and loving exterior, I often felt on the inside that I was just "putting up with them."  That caused me to prayerfully reflect on how a loving heavenly Father provides for His rebellious children.  In telling the story of the Israelites during the exodus, Paul said, "For a time of about forty years [God] put up with their ways in the wilderness" (Acts 13:18).  In Greek "put up with" most likely means to patiently provide for people's needs despite an ungrateful response.

Some people may not react favorably to our efforts to show care and concern.  When this happens, it may help to remember that God is patient with us.  And He has given us His Spirit to help us respond with love to those who are hard to love or who are ungrateful (Galatians 5:22-23).

Give us Your patience, Lord, for anyone in our lives who is difficult to love. -Dennis Fisher

I want the love that sweetly bears
Whate'er my Father's hand may choose to send;
I want the love that patiently endures
The wrongs that come from enemy or friend. - Anon.
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Be as patient with others as God has been with you.

INSIGHT
To fulfill the Great Commission, Paul took advantage of the synagogue system.  In the cities he visited, Paul would go to the synagogue on the Sabbath to preach the good news to the Jews who gathered there (Acts 13:14; 17:1-2; 18:4; 19:8).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace