Never Too Bad

I read through Psalm 136 today, at the suggestion of a friend. Go read it, but read it out loud. It's so powerful that way. The verse covers all these different circumstances in life, good, bad, hard times where it's confusing why God does or allows things, when He provides, etc. but after each part all you see is His love endures forever. And it's this beautiful reminder that He will always love us, no matter what. 

That reminds me of the video we watched last night at Cru, Katherine mentioned it in her post. I think the most powerful part of that video, or at least one of them, was when the speaker talked about how so many people who say that they don't believe in God are using that as a defense mechanism, an excuse, because really they think that God doesn't believe in them, that God doesn't love them, or want them. And the way this girl was saved, was through the diligent love of a Christian girl who was non-judgmental, and simply loved her, cared for her, and wanted to be her friend. Had a relationship with this girl with no strings attached, no hidden agendas.

It's so easy to fall into the trap of being friends with someone with the purpose of bringing them to Christ. That should never be the goal, we should never have that agenda. We should desire to share the love of Christ with others, but not to "convert them." We should share this love because it is such an integral part of our being that it is absolutely impossible to separate ourselves from this great love that has made us into who we are. But it should never be shoved in someone's face, never forced down their throats, we shouldn't make them swallow it like sticky pink cough syrup or children's medicine.

Our goal should simply be to love. Our agenda, to care. To have a relationship with someone, without expecting anything in return. People should see that we are different and wonder why, and then realize that we're different because of one simple thing, we know that Jesus loves us and we love Him back. And our lives should be about showing others that love, letting them know that Jesus simply loves them. Loves them without expectations or desires, without report cards or To Do lists, that He loves them no matter how screwed up they are, no matter what they've done. And that not only does He love them, but He has forgiven it all, and given His life as a ransom for theirs.