“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” - Romans 14:12

We all must give an account and it makes no difference what denomination or race we are or what nation we live in.

I read in a Christian newsletter that when God wants to teach us to love the unlovable, He will put such a person in our path. I’ve experienced it and fought it for all it was worth. It wasn’t until someone very unlovable was in my way for a long time that I learned this was exactly what God was doing. Even as I look back on those that I detested, I learned that the outcome was ultimately up to me. We cannot change someone else’s attitude and behavior, but we are certainly accountable for our own. Thinking back, I could have made those difficult times in my life much easier if I was the one that changed. When they were cruel, I was cruel. When they were verbally abusive, I would slam it right back in their face, in the 'nicest' way, of course! But Jesus' way says:

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be
measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate; for
wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and
difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:1-3 & 12-14)

Now I realize that through Christ, I could have really loved that person and changed the whole scenario. I put myself through more
anguish than that one unlovable person put me through, but I didn’t see it that way at the time.

After I failed several tests, God put someone in my life that was extremely difficult to deal with and for an unbearably long time. I tried
many ways to stay clear of this person, but God closed each door I tried to get through. I began to learn that I was not fighting against someone’s attitude toward me, I was fighting against God. I decided to change, although it was hard. Very hard. Nice things
began to come out of my mouth toward that person. I started praying for that person, and my behavior toward that person changed.
People know when you are serious, or just putting on a show. It has to be genuine. It will be if you realize that what you do and say to someone, you do toward Christ. And when I changed, this ‘unlovable’ person began to change but it took a long time. When we stand before God, we can’t make excuses for someone else’s behavior or attitude. God said 'we must give an account of ourselves.' He did not say we must give an account for someone else. We hold our own shopping bag and God sees what is in there.

And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me. (Matthew 25:40)

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
(Hebrews 4:13)

© Copyright Cheryl Taul
September 28, 2006

"If you love Me, keep My commands." (John 14:15)