Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Did you get that? Living peaceably often depends on US. And, that can be a tall order. Because our world is inhabited by PEOPLE! They’re everywhere. At work, in church, even in our families. And some people can be challenging. I’ve always called them “Sandpaper People.”
Sandpaper People just rub us the wrong way – abrasive, irritating, scratchy. I’ve discovered a couple things about this dynamic.
Sandpaper People are often those who need extra love and we need the practice in loving them. Matthew 5:46, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”
Ouch! That’s blunt. It’s easy to love someone who loves me well or pleases me. That’s not the challenge – the challenge is to love Sandpaper People.
You know how God uses them? As they rub up against us, causing irritation, they press us to conform OURSELVES to the image of Christ. The “bumps” of our own attitude and expectations are rubbed, reduced and softened. That’s IF we allow God’s love to be exhibited.
We can’t love Sandpaper People in our own power. But, God’s infinite grace and acceptance can be released to those who are the MOST difficult, the MOST hurtful and the MOST immediate.
It may be that we’re married to a Sandpaper Person or they can be a close family member. It means there’s no avoidance or hiding. Every day, we feel the pain of the abrasive sandpaper.
Then, comes the miracle of the Love that does not spring from us and our acceptance, but from CHOOSING to release the Love that will not fail – the Love that can transform and cover a multitude of sins. I’ve seen it work.
One more thing. WE also may be someone’s Sandpaper Person.
~Vickie Richey
Christ Fellowship