If there is one verse in the Bible that encapsulates the ‘posture’ a Christian ought to have toward anyone, whether in the church or not, it is Romans 12:9a
“Let love be genuine.”
With these simple words we are given a profound truth. If we cannot approach other human beings–that is, others who are also made in God’s image–with genuine love, then we are not fully living out the gospel!
Imagine this scenario: you hear from an old friend. They’d love to grab lunch with you since it’s been a while. You’re excited to catch up; to share in life a little; maybe to find a new friend in an old friend. After you order and enjoy catching up and the banter of old friendship, it comes out: they want to know if you are interested in the company they are starting.
Nothing ruins what could have been a renewed friendship faster than disingenuous flattery. That’s an example of love that is not genuine. Interest in friendship or not, the real reason is their personal gain from your interest in their business.
Genuine love starts with the genuine love we receive from God. As Christians we must preach this to ourselves constantly! Why did God make humans in the first place? First because He Himself is in genuine, perfect, and perfectly loving community as a Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Wanting to share this fellowship and love, the Godhead decides to create people who are in God’s Image which includes a capacity for relationship with God and each other, creative and reasoning abilities and other attributes. So, when we enter into the Garden what we need to understand is that God truly and genuinely loves His precious creation. He ‘walks’ with Adam and Eve each day. He gives them a paradise to enjoy.
His love is both tested and confirmed when mankind sins. How does genuine love respond? It finds a way to repair the relationship, even if it means God has to take the horrific punishment for sin on Himself! Jesus is willing to take on our sin, to die in our place, to endure the wrath of God just so that relationship can remain!
So, how does that inform our ‘posture’ towards others?
Everyone is an Image Bearer
Remember that everyone you meet is made in God’s image just as much as you are. Convicted felons, the “other” side politically, those persistent in grievous sin, your nice neighbors, your not so nice neighbors, the homeless person you see, your kids, they are all image bearers. They all are meant to be in relationship with God. They all have burdens as a result of the Fall; they all suffer from sin, either theirs or others’. This levels the playing field a bit. When Jesus is expounding on what it means to love your neighbor he explains that we should also love our enemies because this reflects God’s character. He “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
Everyone has Needs
Remember that everyone you meet is dealing with something. No one’s life looks as good as they try to make it look on Facebook or Instagram. We are all dealing with the effects of living in a fallen world, and the more time you spend with someone, the more you are going to learn of their suffering. Whether it’s financial, or health, or some relationship, or anxiety or depression, everyone is dealing with some trial or suffering, and what they often need most is someone to say, “I see your pain. How can I help?”
Everyone wants the Fruits of the Spirit
So, starting with those closest to you, and moving out, ask yourself this question: Am I showing these family members, friends, and neighbors the Fruit of the Spirit in my life? Do I approach my kids as image bearers–real persons–who have needs and need respect and kindness and gentleness? Do I take time to hear and understand my coworkers? Could I take a moment to do something extra for a neighbor? Around Binghamton that could mean making sure your neighbors are dry after the last storm, particularly if they are elderly. Could you bake a little extra to share? Do you even know their names? That would be the place to start, then!
Don’t Bait and Switch
Another of my favorite passages is in Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
It’s tempting to read this passage and think that what we are supposed to do is circle the wagons and think only of our own, but let’s tease this out a bit. Some churches, from a legitimate desire to evangelize and bring people to Christ and into the church, might reverse this. They show more concern for those they are trying to evangelize. Here’s a potential problem: Someone shares the Gospel with you, after a while, you accept. You come to church. You experience the community and love of Christ’s church. Then people forget about you, because they are focused more on the “outsiders.” See, that’s bait and switch. It’s not genuine love, and no one wants to be subjected to it. By loving those closest to us in the church, we ensure that anyone who comes to Christ comes to a loving family that won’t abandon them.
Of course the Bible recognizes that we have to love those closest to us the most. I don’t love my neighbor’s kids as much as my own. That would make me a bad dad. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love them genuinely.
So, remember everyone is made in God’s image. They all want and need kindness, and respect and love just like you do. Remember that God loves them and sent Jesus for everyone, whether or not they believe He did. And look for little ways you can show people that you value them. This is the posture of the believer.