2 Corinthians 4:18 (AMP) So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

Have you ever met a person that their personality rubbed you the wrong way? Then instead of trying to get to know them, you avoid them. We can be like that in the body of Christ also. I know I am guilty of doing this myself. Instead of having compassion, that there may be a root issue, we look for ways to avoid people. Here is the thing, we are called to the ministry of reconciliation, even to the people that rub us the wrong way. I looked at the verses preceding this statement by Paul.

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (AMP) We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

Focus on this: “spiritual life is actively at work in you.” Our flesh does not have to win. Our mindset can be overcome and we can grow in love. The love that says that we want the best for others. I have to remind myself of that when I get around people that they are going to knock the rough edges off of me. I also have to realize that I may be just that person to someone else. I would like to think that I have grown in areas, but I would be foolish to think that I do not need to grow more. Avoidance is not growth. Thinking that we are avoiding something just puts the focus on that, rather than our purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (AMP) Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!

When we become discouraged we can often describe it as “losing heart.” The natural tendency for us is to quit, or avoid, so that we no longer feel the discomfort of frustration. We want to set up a boundary, and end of falling out love, with what we once enjoyed due to our frustrations with those involved. Sounds like we are focused on the temporal, the seen, the felt, ultimately ourselves. There is hope. Your spiritual life is actively at work in you. Recognize that part of your life and surrender it. Surrender your thoughts. Surrender your reasoning. The enemy loves discord between us. The devil loves it when we cannot get along and work together. The devil wants us to withhold our gifts from the body because we did not like how someone treated us. I have to remind myself, it is not about me, someone needs freedom today.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Instead of focusing on what you do not like about someone, find one thing that you do like. Instead of avoiding someone, get to know them. Just like you, they have a life that is filled with back stories of what they may be responding to, and not even know it. Love each other enough to see each other grow in Christ. Your spiritual life is actively at work in you, and so it is in them. Instead of looking at the seen, look at the unseen. Love always hopes. Love does not keep an account of a suffered wrong. Love bears all, regardless at what comes. Love remains steadfast. Love looks for the best in each other. Love endures even in the difficult times (paraphrase from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Elohim, our all sufficient One, we honor You will our praise and thanksgiving. You are Marvelous. You are Wonderful. Thank You for sending Your Son to be the Light of the World to bring us out of darkness. He overcame so that we can overcome. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that now dwells in us. Thank you that our spiritual lives are actively at work within us. We repent for not taking an active role in our growth and focusing on the temporary in each other. We not only desire to see growth in ourselves, but in the body of Christ. We are choosing to be more committed to the ministry of reconciliation that you have called us to. You created us with a purpose and avoidance is not a part of that purpose. We are sorry for making it about us when we chose that path. Give us opportunities to be a part of Your restoration plan. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.