If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen"
NKJV

Have you ever felt far from God? We've all had those moments where we know our relationship with our Savior needs adjusting. One red flag that goes up during these times is our relationships with other people. When we are short-tempered towards others or have no compassion for those in need, there is a deeper issue. When we hate our brother or sister and hold unforgiveness toward them, we need to take notice and return to the Lord.

This is a sobering thought, but it's a significant warning sign from the Lord. If we cannot love those around us, how can we truly love God? The bitterness towards others is not the sickness. It is the symptom. The main issue is our relationship with the Lord. Is He truly our Savior? If so, are we spending time with Him in His Word and prayer? Not in a religious way, but because we desire to know Him more. These are questions we should ask ourselves when we struggle with others. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, we will find His loving kindness propelling us to love others.

Life Lesson: Our attitudes toward others can be warning markers in our relationship with God.

Dear God,
Thank You for the warnings in Your Word. Give me eyes to see the warning signs when I begin straying from You. Speak to me through Your Word and give me the strength to love others as You love me. May my life be used to draw people to You.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
aboutthebridge.com
twitter.com/ccot