Check Your Heart.

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“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” -1 John 4:20


That’s pretty strong language.


Have you ever thought about it? Picture that person you absolutely cannot stand. Yeah, you know who I mean. Do you dislike them so much you can’t stand them? Would you go so far as to say you hate them?


Check your heart.


Over the past couple of years I have been tested in this area. Maybe you are like me and find it easy to justify negative feelings toward someone you find to be difficult. They did this or said that, so maybe somewhere deep down we feel like maybe God will give us a “pass” to feel the way we do.


He doesn’t.


Christ died for every single one of us. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). So who do we think we are to pass judgment on anyone else?



If you call yourself a Christ-follower, and struggle with this, It’s time to place it on the altar and give it to God. When we are able to do that, we find peace and joy that passes all understanding.


I am beyond grateful for a Savior who loves each one of us through all of our faults and failures. He gave His life for the “worst” of us. The least we could do is try to love without judgment. 


“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8


Praise God! He is for us.

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