You can already smell the turkey roasting in the oven. Christmas music is playing, and the gifts are under the tree. You are already imagining the very best Christmas ever! Then … you remember that Mr. Grinch will be there. Some of your zest for the upcoming celebrations has just plummeted. “Mr. Grinch” can be anyone that talks negatively, controls the group, and puts a damper on things. Past memories of this person may bring pain, or you may feel uncomfortable being around them; their personality may grate you the wrong way.

In his second epistle, Peter suggests that we adopt attitudes that can have a domino effect. Our personal faith in the Messiah, born in a crude stable, gives us the resources to deal with all the grinches this Christmas. Our first domino starts with our faith which then leads to goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and finally love.

You can’t do this alone. But the birth of our Savior has made this possible. Ask Jesus to help you see this person through his eyes. As you pray for guidance, Jesus will help you love this person just as he does. Your actions will speak loud and clear to that person this Christmas. God wants to see your relationship healed. He wants you to pass on his love to that person through your attitudes and actions. Imagine how much that could change everyone’s Christmas this year!

Jesus our Messiah, thank you for giving us your sacrificial love. Help us as we celebrate the reason for the season and encounter grinches. Thank you that your Spirit in us enables us to love these people with your gracious love. Guide us in our attitudes and actions. Thank you for giving us this new, supernatural life. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Begin praying for your heart to beat with the love of Jesus so you can truly love the Mr. Grinches in your life. If someone difficult comes to mind, ask God to bless his or her day. Ask the Lord to help you change the way you see frustrating people.

See others through the eyes of Jesus.



Tags: Advent 2020 Daily Devotional 2 Peter 1
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