How does Jesus feel when you divert your gaze from those who look like they've done drugs or made some really poor lifestyle choices?

How does Jesus feel when you divert your gaze from those who look like they've done drugs or made some really poor lifestyle choices? 

We're all human, but when we divert our gaze from others, we are showing disapproval of them or their choices. Is that really what Jesus would want us to do????

In the Bible it says in Hebrews 13: 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

After reading this, don't you think that at the very least, Jesus wouldn't want us turning our heads away from these people or giving a sneer of disapproval. If we were to injure our back and were prescribed pain killers and became dependent on them, wouldn't we want others to be understanding of what we might be going through? Wouldn't we want others to treat us like worthwhile human beings? Wouldn't we want people to smile at us as they cross our paths? 

What's a smile cost? It's a very easy thing to share and says that we see that person we smiled at as someone worthwhile, a child of God. Think about sharing more smiles instead of diverting your gaze from those you formerly disapproved of. 

What does Jesus want if we are in a conversation with someone who wants to be in control of the conversation, who is argumentative or just plain negative?

What does Jesus want if we are in a conversation with someone who wants to be in control of the conversation, who is argumentative or just plain negative? 

This is a tricky one. It's easy to want to out argue someone who wants to be in control or is argumentative or negative. Usually, trying to argue with these people isn't productive. It just makes us look just as bad as the other person and usually these rebuttals doesn't do much to enlighten that person on whatever issue is being discussed.   

In the Bible it says the following in Romans 12: 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Sure, this sounds easier than it really is. When I get in situations of this nature, I try to say a quick prayer and listen for the instincts Jesus gives me.  Saying something like, "I prefer not to argue about this topic," "I have a different opinion on this topic, but chose not to be in a heated debate about it, " or "I think we should agree to disagree on this topic." 

If some one does something to make you mad, should you cut your losses and ignore them, but is that what Jesus wants?

If some one does something to make you mad, should you cut your losses and ignore them, but is that what Jesus wants?

It's easy to get upset with people who were less than patient, less than understanding, who were rude. I feel that way myself sometimes. It's easy to give up on those people and consider them a lost cause, but is that what Jesus wants?

In the Bible it says in Luke 17: 3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

When I read this, I think about the flip side of this conversation. We all get irritated, impatient, and have been rude with others, depending on what is going on in our lives at the time. Do we want all those people to cut their losses and to ignore us? Don't we want them to cut us some slack and realize that maybe we just had a bad day, but we're not normally like that? I know that I do, what about you?

Note: Jesus isn't saying through this Bible verse that if we are in an unhealthy, abusive relationship that we should continue to forgive the abusive person who apologizes, but continues to abuse us. That's a whole different situation and Jesus understands that!

People Talk to You About Jesus, but You Sometimes Doubt, Is It Worth the Gamble?

People Talk to You About Jesus, but You Sometimes Doubt, Is It Worth the Gamble?

It's easy to get confused, but it's important to be prayerful instead of letting the things we hear, read, or our doubts get the best of us. For Revelation 22: 12-16 says: And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murders, and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. 

Is it really worth the gamble that Jesus isn't the Savior? I don't know about you, but I don't want to take the chance that doesn't lead to being in Heaven someday with my Lord and Savior!