Intercede for those who forgot to fight

 Have you ever had a friend who makes the same bad choices? Or those friends or relatives who keep cycling through the same struggles? The ones you love, but which makes you wonder how much they even love themselves? We all have them. And the truth is, even when we can't see it, they're worth the fight.

Encouraging someone who doesn't see beyond their anguish is tough. Or fighting for someone who apparently does not want the best for themselves can be emotionally draining. Oh boy, I've been there. It's one thing to continually remind a toddler to not put something in the mouth no matter how many times he tries to sneak non-editable stuff into his mouth. Another, finding ourselves pleading with adults to change their destructive ways, it takes all the strength and love of Christ not to ultimately walk away. It is hard to love someone who does not see it, want it, or deserve it. Ask ourselves if they are giving up on their own lives; shouldn't we? Although it is difficult and we question ourselves. Having God in our lives, our hearts want to see them thrive and walk the best life that God has for them, and when we don't see it, it leaves pieces of heart aching and empty.

Our love for them makes us want more for them and despise their bad choices. The same love makes us hang on when their will to fight for themselves appears to be diminishing by the day. Love makes us want to provide grace and compassion when all they see is their pain. Love makes us give them words of hope, encouragement, edification, and support. This reminds me of the story of Ruth and Naomi, And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. Ruth 1:18 Naomi was dealing with depression and grief. She lost her husband and two sons. She falsely believed that God had abandoned her, and she felt she had nothing left to offer. There has been a time I was Noami feeling alone, hurt, and hopeless. Wondering why is the point to fight and go on, life pain can be so deep that it can become our identity. But, on the other hand, Ruth decides to cling to her, stay with her, and love her. Perhaps this verse was when Naomi's hope began to be restored when she realized someone was willing to fight for her?. Just like Jesus. He will fight for us, especially when we are at our worst.  

Sometimes, we got to be Ruth to those who are hard to love, to those who have no fight left in them. To cling to those that are brokenhearted. Even though we may want to give up on them and their harmful ways, we should lean on and lean in God for the strength it takes to keep loving them. Speak words of praise, words of gratitude, words of validation, words of honor, and words of encouragement. Remind them who they are in Christ. Also, continue bringing them before God in prayer even if they are angry with Him. It might take going the extra mile to make sure they feel loved even when they've been less than loving to us. Whether you are fighting for them looks like cheering them on from a distance, or you are right there in the ring with them. We must seek God's wisdom on how to stay a faithful friend for those who have lost hope and have, honestly, become hard to be around. God still loves them, and He still wants them to live the most incredible life they can on earth. He yet wants them to have eternity with Him, and so should we.

Bear in mind even though it will be challenging to help, It's often through relationships with others that we find opportunities to apply the wisdom of the Bible and demonstrate genuine love. Choose to see this as a golden opportunity to speak life into that person. God is using you to grow in love and be reminded that we all seek to be loved. Pursue God's Wisdom and follow HIS heart on compassion, gentleness, kindness, patience, and love. The matters causing someone to continue down a path of darkness are usually more profound than what we can see from a surface level. We honor God by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Mark 12:31a. Display God's love to others and see them as He sees them chosen, created, and cherished. Follow His example to bring hope and life into them. Allow God, the ultimate healer, to use you, trust Him, and love. You might be the very light they need in their dark moment. We all want to be loved, encouraged, and at the very least, have someone keep believing in us. Sister, Pray-fight-love others= Joy. 

Scriptures

Ruth 1, Psalm 24:18 John 15:12-13 Colossians 3:12

Prayer

Dear Jesus, You drew me to You when I felt like giving up. Guide me to help those who lost their way. Help me love likeYou. Help me to bring hope like you. Show me to stand in the gap wisely for those who desperately need You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect

Does God want you to intercede for someone who has nearly given up? What is one way you can continue showing that person the love of Christ?