Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,  Colossians 3:12 CSB

We all have that person or persons that we tolerate during the holiday season for the sake of a loved one.  Perhaps it is the obnoxious uncle that comes along with the loving aunt.  Perhaps it is the sister-in-law that is annoying, but that your brother so dearly loves.  Perhaps it is the ex-spouse that you tolerate to keep your children happy and content during the holiday festivities.  Or the overbearing boss that insists that you come to the office holiday party even though you would prefer to have your tooth pulled without anesthetic. I’m sure you can relate.

If we are willing to do that for a loved one or a boss, then what are we willing to do for the love of Christ?  “For the love of God” or “For Christ’s sake” have at times been used as blaspheme.  We use them during a time when we are angry or frustrated, but I am asking you today, what are you truly willing to endure for Christ’s sake? Now before you answer, I want you to think about something.  I want you to think about the fact that he suffered persecution during his 3 years in ministry.  He was falsely accused and arrested.  He was flogged, which if you don’t know what that is, you should really read about it.  Many didn’t survive the flogging itself.  But, He survived that and was then nailed to a cross where he hung until His death while being tortured and humiliated. So, again I ask, what are you willing to endure for Christ’s sake?

Are you willing to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)?  Are you willing to love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-36)?  Are you willing to put God’s will ahead of your will (Luke 22:42)?  Are you willing to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind (Matthew 22:37)?  Are you willing to love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39)?  Are you able to keep quiet if you don’t have anything uplifting to say (Ephesians 4:29)?

As Christians we are often called upon to “put up with” or “tolerate” things that we would rather not, but we do, for whatever reason.  So today I am asking you to remember that God loves you and He wants you to exemplify Him in all that you do.  We should be striving to share God’s love with our fellow man, even those that are not so loveable.

I am not telling you to be someone’s door mat, but Romans 12 gives some very good instructions on living and behaving like a Christian.  Romans 12:18 tells us that we should live in peace with all men as much as is possible on our part.

I have no doubt that each of us has some type of holiday function that we endure every year to make someone else in our life happy.  I encourage you to use this as good practice for making God happy.  Memorize some of these Bible verses to help you get through these times where you must endure that person that gets on your very last nerve.

Have a great day and a joyous holiday season!