The People you Dislike

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:3

When someone read that verse to me in the hospital, I replied, “Is that so? You mean that obnoxious jerk at the medical clinic who sits by the elevator, smokes like a chimney, and taunts me because I have to use a power wheelchair and he doesn’t? I’m to consider him better than me? Loving God means … serving him?!”

My problem with my paralysis was wrapped up in my problem with others. Especially others living with disabilities. Somewhere along the line I finally had to humbly nail every snobby sentiment to the cross and become obedient to death. Dying to self would open the door to loving, really loving God. Only then would my attitude toward other people living with disability change; only then would I love and serve as the Lord did. Only then would I accept my own wheelchair.

Many years have passed since that revelation. Most of them I’ve spent serving God by serving the very people I used to dislike. I now enjoy bantering with the militant activist who lives with disability. My heart breaks when I sit at the bedside of a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. I relish a hug from someone who is vision impaired. I’m inspired by the person who lives with cerebral palsy, who hangs onto God’s grace despite a dreary routine in a residential facility. I marvel at the grace of a world-class wheelchair athlete.

Passion for God will result in passion for people.

Deep and abiding devotion to Jesus will give you a new perspective on people you dislike. Affection for God that is warm and heartfelt will give boundless joy in difficult relationships. Reverent love for the Lord will give you love for needy people. Love God, and you can’t help but love people.

Lord, give me passion for you!