loving sandpaper people

I was invited to preach in a church located somewhere in Cubao near EDSA. Actually, it was already my second time to be invited to preach in that church and this time I was asked to share something about being one with Christ. Before my outline got completed, before it got clear to me what I was supposed to preach, I had to understand first hand how it is to be one with Him.

Have you ever heard of sandpaper people? They are the ones in our lives that God is using to make our character become God-lier. Well, I know a lot of them and I must say it is not easy to have them around. When I broke up with my ex-girlfriend (now a good friend and co-worker in the ministry), issues arose about the break up. She heard a lot which affected our plan of having a good exit from the previous relationship we used to have. Several people who, I understand, just wanted to help her started entering the picture even if they didn't have to. I guess they weren't anointed by God to help. Or should I say, they weren't able to ask God how they were supposed to help their friend (my ex-girlfriend). One of these people actually started opening to his other church friends what had happened even if he didn't have to; even if they don't have to hear it.

When I confronted the boy, he was telling me in a language unusual for a Christian to use that he was just doing what he thought was right for his friend. He really thought he was helping his friend. As the conversation done through exchange of text messages went on, he started telling me words purposed to hurt me. I really had to seek God during that time and ask Him what was His plan and what was His reason why He had let me hear those words. And I got answers. I regained peace. Whenever his words would pop in my mind, God would also remind me of the answers I received from Him during that time; and peace would fill my heart again and again. For a person who is working full-time in the church ministry, it is kinda hurtful to hear people telling you that it was a big mistake to see you in the position of serving people because you were not supposed to be there. It is heartbreaking to hear them questioning your calling from God. Cliche this may sound but it is true: we cannot please everybody.

I have learned to depend on God and to trust His words. And because of constant encouragement I was receiving from God, a stronger hope arose from my heart . I gained confidence in doing all the things He has called me to do. The church attendance of the youth doubled in two weeks. The high school students I was consolidating showed interest and excitement in their walk with God. Success after success happened. But it was not over yet. With myself I am already restored. But with the person who has said too much against me, it was not yet a victory to consider.

In Colosians 3:12, in the Tagalog version of the Bible, it is written, "Kayo'y hinirang ng Diyos, itinalaga para sa Kanya at minamahal Niya. Kaya't dapat kayong maging mahabagin, maganda ang kalooban, mapagpakumbaba, mabait at matiisin."

There you go, it was such a wonderful encouragement from God but at the same time a strong rebuke. The first sentence reminds us that we are called for His glory. It is Him who chose us and no one could question our calling. And since it is He who called us, we should be at our best in all the things that we do, offering them to God with thankful hearts because of His great love for us. The second sentence for me is a rebuke. It is so easy to love back a person who is good to you, someone who do you no harm. but what about a person who can do you absolutely no good? What difference will you make with those people in the world who fight back when they get hurt by somebody? I had to choose between fighting back or loving back in response to what the person did. I was reminded to mimic Christ in that situation where i was into. And I thank God for Jesus who is the foundation of my faith. I was led to reminisce what Jesus did for me. He chose the nails even if I don't deserve it. He knew how I have sinned against Him and yet to love me was and is still His earnest desire. I got inspired to love that person back and to let go of the idea of fighting back. It felt even better when I decided to delete all his messages in my phone in-box.

That was the preparation God had to let me undergo before finally letting me face the congregation of that church who I was supposed to meet that Sunday morning. It became easier for me to share the Word of God because God had made it true and alive to me.

This is our God. So faithful. So loving.