How to Treat Those Who Reject God

July 22

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:20-21

There’s a traditional Hebrew story about Abraham that tells of a time when he was sitting outside his tent one evening when an old man, weary from age, came toward him. Abraham ran out to greet the man and invited him in. He gave the old man food and drink and began talking to him. “Do you worship God?” Abraham asked.

“No, I don’t,” the man replied. “I worship fire and have no reverence for any other god.”

Abraham was furious. So he grabbed the old man by the shoulders and threw him out into the cold night. After he had gone, God asked Abraham why he forced him out. “Because he didn’t worship you,” Abraham answered.

“Abraham,” God responded, “I have tolerated his ignorance for 80 years. Could you not endure him one night?”

When it comes to people who don’t revere God, it can be easy to want to have the same attitude as Abraham in the story. Yet, the Father desires for us, as His children, to welcome them and love those who are far from the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Don’t let indignation toward God’s enemies keep you from loving them. Welcome unbelievers into your life and point them to the God who loves them and wants to see them turn back to Him!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to help you reach out to those around you who don’t know Him, invite them into your life, and point them to Jesus.

Questions for Thought

Why do you think it’s easy for many people to simply reject those who don’t know God instead of building relationships with them?

Can you think of unbelievers in your life today to whom you can extend an invitation of fellowship?

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