Jesus took his friends just as they were and that always meant there was potential for hurt and disappointment. But this wasn't a deciding factor for Him. He loved them from the start to the end. And that meant having reasonable expectations of them, knowing what we humans are like (prone to getting it badly, badly wrong!) So He didn't lose the plot, even when they did. At the same time, He didn't lower His own high standards. Jesus loved without conditions or pressure. You can do it too. That may be easier to say than do, especially when someone's doing your head in. The perfect relationship, the perfect job, the perfect boss, the perfect church, the perfect neighbourhood, the perfect school, the perfect friend - none of them exist! God knows that and He never commands you to do something without giving you the ability to carry it out. Through the process of loving others, He promises you'll become more like Him. Is there someone in your life you need to be more gracious towards? Be real with God and allow Him to lighten your load.
All the disciples were all works-in-progress, just like you and me. Now we're looking up - and seeing who Jesus really is. He's not a work-in-process, but the uncreated totally amazing complete God of all. In Revelation 4:15:14, there's a stunning description of Him in Heaven. Before you dwell on your own struggles, challenges and frustrations, take the time to look at God, and put Him first place in your mind and life.
The biggest temptation we all face is to put ourselves on the throne within our hearts. It's human nature for God and others to slip down to second place.
Sometimes the feeling that life is treating us unfairly is really a loss of perspective. Romans 12:3 NIV tells us, 'Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement.' It's clear God doesn't want you wallowing in a pity party, looking inwards. But what does He want? He wants to catapult you into place as a son or a daughter of the King described in Revelation 4 & 5. The Sovereign King of the Universe is your heavenly Dad. What a perspective to have on your life, looking outwards and upwards, not inwards in self-interested pity. And what a God to look up to! Do you have it and know it? If not, look up!
Revelation 4 & 5. Get a picture of the greatness and goodness of God in your head. Then, ask Him to lock it in.
