The Heart of a Child!

If we claim to be in the light and hate someone, we are still in the dark.  But if we love others, we are in the light, and we don't cause problems for them.   If we hate others, we are living and walking in the dark. We don't know where we are going, because we can't see in the dark.

1 John 2:9-11

I am coming to the point of being what some consider to be a very old man.  It has been almost 50 years since I was required to register for the military draft.  But I can still remember the emotions of being a small child with no enemies.  I remember thinking that "I love everybody." 

In a world of sinful corruption and evil at almost every turn the "pure heart" of a little child is hard to imagine.  But that kind of loving heart is exactly what Jesus has called us to have. 

You see, Satan wants you to hate those who oppose Jesus.  If the Devil can't get you to participate in the evil of this world he can still take you into the darkness by getting you to hate those who are in the dark.  That way he can turn off the light in your life as well.

So how do you keep from hating those who are your enemies and the enemies of Christ?  I suppose one simple and maybe imperfect example would be like a child who is being bullied.  The little boy who simply lets his father take care of any response that is needed will not be drawn into a fight!  The same is true for you and me.  Let God take care of dealing with the evil in the world.  Our job is to love even those people who are given up completely to Satan. 

Try to remember today what it is like to "love everybody."  What you are remembering is the heart of a child.  And becoming like a little child is the goal for those who want to live as Jesus desires!

"Lord I choose to love everyone, even the most despicable.  I cannot walk in the light and hate anyone, so I seek the light by being filled with Your love.  Praise Your Name forever. Amen."