The “Sometimes” Truth about People (and you)

It shouldn’t surprise us, when people disagree and are not nice. Jesus was perfect. 100% perfect. He lived a perfect life. And yet, there were people, lots of people, who hated him. People called him names. People spat upon him. People tried to throw him off a cliff, and, of course, people clamored for and succeeded in crucifying him. People aren’t always nice.  Sometimes, downright ugly.

News flash: You ain’t perfect (neither am I). As such, here are a few other “sometimes” to keep in mind…

Sometimes you will be wrong and people will rightly disagree. Hopefully “politely” disagree.Sometimes you’ll be right, and they will still disagree. Sometimes people who are wrong (just like you) will say, “Hooray, for you!” But both of you are still wrong. Sometimes people are wrong (unlike you) and will say, “Boo to you!” But you are still right and they are still wrong. Sometimes people will bald face lie about you. That’s always wrong. Sometimes (in fact most times, these days), they won’t say “Boo” or lie to your face. They won’t even private message their disagreement. Keyboard boo-birds and liars post it on social media for all to see. Sometimes it really hurts—especially when you are right or innocent. There’s no defending yourself on social media. You just have to take the “Boos” and the lies and ride out the storm. But that doesn’t make it fun or leave you without scars.Sometimes you discover who your true friends are when the lies and boos are headed in your direction.Sometimes you should not post anything, not blog, not hit “send,” and turn off your devises. (Are you reading what you are writing, Rob? I am. Good). 

When you are wrong apologize or change or stop thinking wrongly. Then move on.
When lies are spread about you, remind yourself of the truth, hold your head high and then move on.
When you are right be humble (no boasting allowed) but do not change (at least don’t change your thinking regarding that one issue). Then also move on. Always move on. Never stay put.

Right or wrong try your best to maintain relationships. Those people who say, “Boo to you” are like you (not perfect). They just think differently on whatever issue they are booing you. It doesn’t make them bad (although it would have been nice if their boos were in a private message). It doesn’t make them an enemy. It only means they think different than you on that issue. That’s all. 

The liars are bad. Lying is bad. Always (duh). Still treat the liars with the same respect and kindness the Lord has extended to you when you’ve lied. Forgive. Even when thy don’t ask for it. “Love your enemies” is a good reminder when lies are flying in your general direction. 

There’s too much spewing of hatred these days. Too much booing. Too many pointing fingers, wagging fingers and when it’s really bad middle fingers. Yikes!

Let’s be open to the fact that we could be wrong. Allow the Holy Spirit to help us. Let’s work harder on loving our neighbors who boo us and our enemies who lie about us. While we are far from perfect, let’s live into Paul’s instructions to the Philippians: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Peter’s instruction isn’t a bad reminder either: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). 

Sometimes as you love the boo-birds and enemies with the mindset of Christ Jesus, they become your friends. 

Sometimes.