Apologetics
Unchristianlike
Unchristianlike. That was me earlier today. I had just received word an unpleasant niece-in-law was coming for Easter weekend from out of town with her two little boys. Now I had no problem with the boys coming, their being 4 and 7 years old and little gentlemen to boot. I love all children, especially those related to me.Their mother is another matter. She is by far the rudest and most outspoken young woman I have ever known and whenever I am in her company I find myself counting to ten before I speak in order to remain calm and polite.
So this morning when I heard she was going to accompany my brother and his wife along with her children I looked upward and said "Why, God, why?" I had been so looking forward to nice weekend with both of my brothers and their wives here for Easter. I had been cooking and cleaning and getting excited about being with family again. I fussed and fumed for about an hour and then started thinking about an Easter Egg hunt for the boys. That would be fun.
Then I thought about my niece. I haven't seen her in a long time so maybe she's grown up some. Maybe the reason she is so rude is because she never had a family to be nice to her. Her childhood was somewhat like a patchwork quilt with ever changing step parents on both sides. In fact she was, for the most part, raised by a step instead of her own parents. Then I began to feel ashamed of myself. I'd never stopped to think of why she might be so hard shelled on the inside.
I just returned from shopping. I bought baskets for the boys and easter egg coloring. I bought a small flowering potted plant I plan to give to my niece. A peace offering, so to speak. When she gets here I will smile and hug her. A real smile and a real hug, not the perfunctory ones, and I will do all I can to make her feel welcome.
God reminded me I am a Christian, and Christians try to practice love and tolerance to all people no matter how rude or lacking in manners they might be. Jesus said to be kind to "The least of these my brethen" and I suppose he also meant people we don't like to tolerate at times. Any other behavior would just be Unchristian like.
Have a blessed Easter everyone....I know I will. God Bless
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Bea Edwards 
05 Apr 2012
You made a profound point about your niece and people in general changing and how we do not know why they are the way they are. What occurrence in their lives have created the person they are Everyone is struggling, aren't they? Some simply display a better disguise.....hmmm I think you might have motivated me to write my first poem.
You made some good points we all should learn. Have a wonderful Easter and God bless you.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom
05 Apr 2012
This is a great message. It's amazing how little unChristian-like thoughts can pop into out head. Thankfully, Jesus looks at us with fresh eyes every time we repent and ask so how wonderful it is that you are able to do the same (if this is a true story, if not what a great reminder) The only red ink I could offer would be in the first paragraph, when referring to the little boys, you used their and it should be they're. This is a timely message for Easter and any family gathering. Add some scripture to correspond with your message and a prayer and you would have a wonderful devotion here.
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