Relationships matter.
Jerusalem falls! Jeremiah had prophesied about this for years, yet Judah refused to listen. Even Zedekiah was given a way out but chose his own way instead of heeding the Lord's correction.
What happens to Jeremiah?
"Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, "Take him and look after him, and do him no harm; but do to him just as he says to you." then they sent someone to take Jeremiah from the court of the prison, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he dwelt among the people." Jeremiah 39:11-12, 14
Jeremiah had been treated with contempt by his own people. They rejected him, beat him, imprisoned him, and even lowered him into a muddy cistern. Yet when Jerusalem fell, the Babylonians were instructed to protect him.
What a contrast! Those who should have recognized the word of the Lord rejected His messenger. They had become so hardened that they harmed the messenger because they didn't like the message.
How do you treat those around you?
Paul warns believers not to "bite and devour one another" (Gal. 5:15).
Do you treat fellow believers with judgment or ridicule simply because you don't see eye to eye? How do you treat those who don't believe?
As followers of Jesus, our relationships (with our spouse, children, family, friends, and co-workers) are opportunities to display the love of Christ. Jesus said His disciples would be known by their love for one another.
Relationships matter. Are you allowing pride, hurt, disagreement, or selfishness to keep others from seeing Christ's love through you?
Today is the day to examine how we treat those around us. Love, forgive, serve, and extend the same grace Christ has shown you.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.