Love Them Anyway

     Often I find myself singing a song by the Sidewalk Prophets called 'You Love Me Anyway' one part in particular always sticks with me. I want to share this part of the song with you, and I want you to imagine as you read it, just for a minute being Jesus and how much hurt He must have felt to die for those being unloving to Him, but doing it anyway because He loves us so much that our forgiveness is more important. Can you imagine it? Can you imagine dying for someone who hates you? Can you image being beaten and tortured then paraded in front of a crowd calling for your death? Can you imagine your friend betraying you with a kiss? Here's the lines from the song now.

I am the thorn in your crown but you love me anyway

I am the sweat from your brow but you love me anyway

I am the nail in your wrist but you love me anyway

I am Judas' kiss but you love me anyway

See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd

For your blood to be spilled on this earth shaken ground

Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face

With this sin in my heart tried to bury your grace





     Every time I hear this song it stirs something inside of me, I try to understand and fathom this kind of love. A love where you would die to save the very people who are persecuting you. These lines really drive that home for me, I always end up with tears in my eyes, because I realize it could only be Jesus, only with God's grace is it possible.

     From the moment of our fall from grace in Eden we have been corrupt, and only God's mercy could save us. I know, that for the most part, if you're reading this you are a Christian or at least have some belief in God. I am asking you that each day you do something out of mercy, grace and love for someone whether they deserve it not. Show the world we can love beyond the natural limits, we can love despite the ugliness. Love them anyway, right where they are, because Jesus died for them too, and He loves you right where you are.

 

 

Luke 23:34-37

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar  and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”