Don't Let the World Keep You From Loving The World

Have you ever had something affect your entire mood for the day? the week? longer?Maybe its stress from work.  Maybe someone said something to you that upset you.  Maybe your favorite sports team lost a game.  Maybe you are having a bad hair day.This happened to me last week...no not a bad hair day, I don't have enough hair to have a bad day.  But a few of these things compounded to create a tough day or two in my life.  I realized that I was not the same person outwardly to others as a result.  The stress level was higher, I was upset about things people had said to me, and work was having me stay late into the evening.  I became short with people, not encouraging, not loving.  I didn't want to talk to anyone, and when someone talked to me about any of it I pushed them away.  It was not good for anyone.Unfortunately I didn't realize this until too late in the process, I am certain I had turned people away by my actions.So I began to back-track and figure out why I was upset.  When I realized what the root of it all was, all the reasons were simple worldly things that ultimately don't matter, but I let them affect me much more than that.So for encouragement I decided to look to Jesus to see how He handled it and in what situations He was able to manage these types of attacks from the world.  I was immediately drawn to the crucifixion story. (Specifically the accounts of Luke and John in Luke 23 and John 19).  I thought about the insults that were spoken to Jesus through this process. I thought about the soldiers mocking Him.  I thought about the crown of thorns.  I thought about Him being pierced in the side.But through all of this and the pain He was going through a few things stuck out to me.1. The whole time Jesus continued to know exactly what needed to be done to fulfill prophecy.  He never quit until He knew it was completely done.

• John 19:28 - "Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”"
• John 19:30 - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

2. Jesus was always aware of those who needed Him and was focused on others even while hanging on the cross.

• Luke 23:34 - "Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”"
• Luke 23:40-43 - "But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. "Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
• Jesus could have very easily ignored or said nothing to all of these individuals, but He was outwardly focused up until the end of His life!

Think about this next time you think you are having a bad day.  Maybe you are having a bad day...that's ok.  But it should not affect your outward attitude towards others.  There are always people that need to see the love of Jesus and if you are that one chance then make sure you don't allow situations you are in to keep you from sharing that love with others. Tired, upset, frustrated, sad or stressed makes no difference, you can still share the Love of Jesus with those you encounter.