Imitation!

Ephesians 5: 1

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children…

Elsie and Herb were married over 45 years.

At one point in Elsie’s life, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but that didn’t change how Herb felt about Elsie.

He would visit her every day, and without any notice at all, Elsie would often turn on Herb.

She would say some of the most mean spirited things to Herb, but Herb would always end their visit with the words… “I love you.”

In the course of some 12 years of ministry, I have had some painful things said about me.

Some that I knew about, and some that were said behind my back.

It is during those moments, that I find it hard to be an imitator of God.

Loving the loveable is easy, but loving the mean spirited—now that’s another story.

Do you have trouble loving those who have failed you?

Do you find it hard to love those who have said things behind your back?

According to God, we’re called to love those kinds of people all the more.

I don’t think I like it—but I’m pretty sure the Bible says that we should pray for those who persecute us.

If I’m going to be an imitator of God, then I need to think like He thinks.

Actually, I need to love the same way He loves