Me and a coworker used to ride to work together. Many conversations happened on our commute. One particular time he was trying to figure out who someone in our town was. He said, “it’s the little old lady that drives the ranger.” I laughed and said, “That’s my Mama.” Thankfully he wasn’t saying anything bad about her because this conversation could have taken an unexpected turn. I have heard of situations where this very thing has happened. Someone would be really talking bad about an individual only to find out that the person they were talking to was a relative.
With that said I want you to take a moment and think to yourself about that person that gets on your nerves. You know the one that dive into the clothes at department store to avoid. Got them in mind? Now let’s take a moment to talk about a couple of irritating people or those that you just didn’t want to be around. Zacchaeus and Matthew were among those that were not very liked, being tax collectors of the time. They may have been disliked by many, but who were they to Jesus? Both of these men became followers of Jesus. They were important to Him.
We should take this in account when dealing with people that they may get on our nerves, but who are they to Jesus? They are a soul and He died for them just like He did for us. I am not excusing their behavior, because Zacchaeus and Matthew both changed in the presence of Jesus. I am saying though we need to consider our actions and attitudes towards others that we don’t cause someone to be offended at Christianity and thus Christ because we didn’t care for them. Who knows who they may turn out to be if we just extend love and kindness.
Luke 6:35 WEB But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.