I am a work in process. I am learning to love like Jesus but it’s extremely hard. Recently, I received a comment about my blog titled, “Simplicity” and it shows just how much I still have to learn.  I have included the individual’s comment and my response below. This is a reminder that there is only one perfect lover of people. This is also a reminder that I am so thankful to serve at “The perfect church for people who aren’t.”

Comment from: “A Wandering and Questioning Spirit” (Real name not given.)

Are you really living like this? Can you honestly say that you show 'love' to EVERYONE you encounter, even if you don't agree with their lifestyle or the choices they have made? Is that your sole focus in life- to love each and every person you come in contact with? I sure hope it is now because honestly, from what I know of you, love was not your focus in the past. I pray you are impacting peoples lives for the glory of God; not impressing or influencing people, but TRULY IMPACTING them in a positive way for the GLORY of God.

Response from: Pastor Randall

Thanks for the feedback and your concern about me.  The answer to your questions is, NO. Do I love everyone perfectly at all times and in every situation? NO! I wish I did in the past. I wish I were (loving perfectly) right now. I hope I can in the future. But honestly, I am quite a failure at loving people like Jesus did.

You’re right. In the past, I was more concerned about impressing and even manipulating people.  I find myself battling it even now.  But,  I know I am a work in process. I am further along than I was and I will be even further along in the future. God constantly loves me by kicking my butt. I know I am far from perfect and I am constantly reminded of it.

I am making progress and God has placed me in a perfect place to learn about loving people. Daily, at my church I am embracing genuine people from every kind of background with incredible stories.  I am called to love them because they are human. But, love is such a diverse word. It can mean something different to you and me. Am I to love people like I love pizza? Am I to love you like I love my wife? Sometimes love is showing grace. Sometimes, it’s speaking the truth. Sometimes, it’s giving a hug. Sometimes, it’s giving discipline. There is only one person who loves perfectly at all times and I am not him.  I hope I can become more like him.

Thanks again for responding to the blog. I take a huge risk sharing my feelings with the world. I am not afraid to put my name and face with what I write. It is part of my process of letting down my guard and trying not to impress people.  Pastor Randall

    So, how about you? Are you a work in progress? Are you learning daily to love people like Jesus did? It is a very difficult and messy process. But, I am glad to be a part of it. Join me in the process.

My Prayer Today: Lord, thank you for constantly growing me. Continue the work you started long ago in me and lead me to be the man you have called me to be.

The Imperfect Pastor for the Imperfect Church,
Pastor Randall