Love Has A NameSampl

Love Pursues the Unpopular

Adults can often be worse than middle schoolers at lunchtime when it comes to inviting people into our lives. We have our cliques and groups, our preconceived notions. Like the kid who’s afraid that sitting with the nerd will make him a nerd, we’re afraid to reach out because of what it might say about us, afraid of what we might lose.

Think of that person in your life who has messed up. Maybe lost his job. Had an affair. Gone to rehab.

Once part of the popular clique and has now fallen from grace and landed on the outside.

Invite that person back in! Jesus stood with people, he invited them in. When others distance themselves, Jesus gets closer.

Are you quick to run and hide when it’s not popular to stay? Quick to hope someone else reaches out so it doesn’t have to be your reputation on the line? Or, are you standing firm with someone, no matter what other people say? Are you inviting people in, not closing them off?

Sadly Christians are often the worst at this. Not all but some.

Just imagine what it would look like if we actually lived this out. What if Christians were known as people who got closer, if the church was known for caring about people instead of walking away from them.

Want to love like Jesus? Pursue the unpopular rather than pursuing popularity. Seek the unpopular kids (or grown adults) out. When someone screws up, be the person that gets closer as others are walking away.

It’s amazing how much power there is in an invitation. Jesus was the best at making people feel like they belonged. The person who was different felt known. The person who felt left out was included.

When we begin to pursue the unpopular, others will distance themselves from us. People will judge and criticize us. Some will walk away from us.

But who really cares? I mean, really. Be like Jesus anyway! Think of those who have stood by you when no one else did.

And choose to love like that.

Day 2 Question:

Think of an “unpopular” person or group in your life. How can you lovingly pursue that person or group today? How can you invite them in? Now go do it!