Love Thy Neighbor as Yourself

Another Disciple Now is successfully under my belt. I survived. Barely. This must show I am getting old, the junk food, the sleep deprivation, sweet and funny 14-15 year old girls :)

I focused on two main things this weekend. Loving ourselves the way God created us in his image and loving others and treating them well no matter how they treat us. As human beings we are naturally selfish. As girls, we are concerned with our self image and how others will accept us. 

I explained to them, we don't like it when people talk about us behind our backs or makes fun of us, so why would we want to do that to anyone else? A successful illustration was when I told them, we should view the girl/guy. We are teasing or making fun of as God's daughter or son, rather than stigmatizing that person as the “weird kid."

When we choose to participate in slandering others even if we think it's mild we are hurting God's heart as well as the person targeted by their teasing. I made sure to reiterate that I am not there either. We have no idea what is really going on in that person’s life. So it is vital to show love because they may be hurting deeply inside.

Yeah sure it's uncomfortable or intimidating to be the "one" who chooses to be kind to the socially awkward or mean person. And they may not reciprocate it. But the important thing to remember is that we are willing to try. You may never know the effects you have one someone when you choose to speak kindly to them.

I strongly believe we can all make a difference in someone’s life. In the end they will remember fondly of “that one person” who showed compassion and understanding rather than throw another stone on their shattered heart.