Warrior Ventures

I'm glad Jesus doesn't give gifts based on whether I've been naughty or nice...I was thinking about the "gifts" Jesus gives this season...so much to ponder. Of course we all think about the gift of Himself, coming as a baby to bring "peace on earth good will to men," completely fulfilled through the work of the cross and resurrection -- "His inexpressible gift," the "gift of God...eternal life through Jesus the Messiah our Lord." We know that "every good and perfect gift comes from above." So after we openned all of our presents, we stood in the midst of them as a family and thanked Jesus for them specifically. It helps put things like an Xbox or new toy into perspective. But I was pondering this:, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” He "gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service." He gave the gift ...

It seems nice and safe to think of a brand of "Christianity" where Jesus died for people who merely lie or manipulate, have shoplifted, had sex outside of marriage, worshiped money, coveted, or confess the faults that the world considers trivial, even some-what acceptable.  It's easier to think of loving the kind of people that make us look heroic -- like loving disabled children, handing $5 to a homeless guy, helping hurricane victims, or sending food to Africa.  All of these are wonderful. (And everyone stands in need of Christ's salvation, don't get me wrong).   BUT it's much harder to demonstrate love to the people that most of society deems " UNLOVEABLE "-- those who have sinned in ways it believes are unforgivable .  What are the kind of people (or specific people we can think of) that we find hard....even impossible...to love?  The kind of people we want to hide from view and not think about? Jesus died for thieves, felons, sex trafficker...