God's Not Mean

Last night at youth group I spoke on the fact that God's not mean. The young people grasped this and seemed to want to hear about the truth from God's Word after we had a talent show with people dancing and singing. Here's some of the points we had:

• Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
• He causes the sun to rise on the good and the evil and the rain to come down on the righteous and unrighteous
• He will provide and care for us regardless of whether we are close to Him or far away
• We should but just like Him

A couple of the first-timers gave their hearts to the Lord and and numerous teens decided they wanted to be more like God and stop holding grudges against people who hate them. If I was in their seat, I would have been raising my hand as well. Why is it so prevelant in my nature to want justice instead of desiring for the wrongdoer to be forgiven? So, the youth and I have a lot of areas we need to grow in. It seems like we're still stuck one of the first two commandments Christianity 101 teaches us: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Anyhow, I'm going on vacation in 23 days and I will enjoy every last second of it when it comes. Lord, teach me to love. Amen.