A Lesson On Love

Most people tend to see things through. Myself, it was Harry Potter. Strangely enough, the one thing that no one ever seems to go through with is other people. In order to escape the old "you can't judge a book by its cover", what do we do? We spend about ten minutes, at most, with a person before deeming them unworthy of our presence.
We often hear something totally amazing about a person, and are surprised because we didn't know it. Other times someone does something that shocks us because it's "out of character" for them. How can we judge exactly what their character is if we've never taken the time to truly love that person? Every single one of those people that we don't cherish and embrace is a missed witnessing opportunity.
1 John 4:10-11 says, "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." As Christians, we need to genuinely LOVE these people. We can pretend to love people, and some of us do it without even realizing. We are there through all friends's hardest times, cry with them, laugh with them, do everything a best friend would. But if all that we do is absent of Jesus, then this so-called "love" is in vain. If we never witness to them, then we are, in essence, subconsciously telling them that we hate them.
Before you misunderstand, let me explain. It would take a lot of hate to purposely condemn someone to Hell. Whether or not they receive it or not is between them and God. We are simply called to tell others about the love of Christ, however, we are not called to shove it down their throats or shower them with Scripture telling them how horrible they are if they're not exactly like us.
I know you're probably calling me crazy, and maybe I am, but what if it's just crazy enough to work? To love someone and not expect anything in return? If we all woke up believing we were going to make a change in someone's life, not wondering "if" but "when" we were going to love them?
To quote Mr. Lovewell, "It's what the Bible has already called us to do…love one another. Look for the best in people. Give people a chance regardless of status, race or gender. It's the understanding that the gospel is for everyone. Some may receive it, some may reject it, but, from where we’re standing, all that should matter is that the Gospel applies to us all. Who are we to demand the outcome before we decide to contribute? Do we wait and tip the waitress only if she’s done a great job? Or do we tip her even when she’s having the worst day? That’s what God’s grace is…unconditional. Grace leaves no room for 'I’ve earned this' or 'I deserve this.' What a concept. To love and be loved no matter what!"