Love People

July 13, 2025
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
In my lifetime, I've met a lot of good people.  Of course, then I've met some bad people as well.  One fellow I met was so crooked that I said of him, “He is so crooked that when he dies, they will have to screw him into the ground.” 😊  Now I pray for his salvation.
 
One time, while sitting in my airplane seat waiting for everyone to board, I looked up and, entering through the door, I saw a man with tattoos all over and piercings in his nose and ears.  I thought to myself, “I hope that guy doesn't sit next to me.”  Guess what.  His seat assignment was right next to mine.  After he had settled in beside me, I asked of him, “How in the world did you make it through the metal detector?”  Well, that ice breaker could have gone either way.  Fortunately, we laughed together.  I don't remember our conversation exactly, but I know I would have told him about the Lord.  I decided then that, even people who don’t look like me, are made in the image of God.
 
For a long time in my life, I had a tainted view of the world.  I trusted very few people.  Somewhere along the line, Jesus gave me a different set of lenses through which to look.  Now I trust almost everyone, until they prove to me that they are unworthy of my trust.  Don't misunderstand me, the Lord has given me a measure by which to evaluate people.  It is called wisdom.  Here is my go-to Bible verse in my evaluation of people.  Jesus said in Matthew 10:16 (NASB)  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”  As a Christian, our Lord calls us to be wise in our dealing with people.
 
I'm glad God puts people in my life that don't always fit the expectations that I have made for them.  I've learned to pray for my enemy, love those who don't look like me, and lift up those who are in need of help.  There was a time when I was distant from God and He took me in.  God loves me in the morning, when I don't look so good, and later in the day when I look a little better.  Oh, how many times have I needed help?  The Lord was always there to give me His mighty hand.  
 
Love people.  That's what we're called to do.
 
Pastor Allan
 
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