For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, KJV)

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. (John 3:17, Amplified)

For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, Who wishes all men to be saved… (1 Timothy 2:3-4, Amplified)

Many years ago I had a very interesting manager at work. He was rude. He was bossy. He came on pretty strong when he thought I was single. He came on pretty strong even when he learned I was married. I set him straight right away with the Word of God on that last issue 🙂

No one at work liked him. He treated everyone badly and no one respected him at all.

One day, I don’t remember for sure what I said to him, but the moment the words left my mouth, I knew it was not the Truth spoken in the Love of God. My heart was instantly grieved. I apologized to him. His response was, “You are only apologizing to make yourself feel better.” My response to him was, “No, I am apologizing because I mistreated someone that God loves.”

Daily we are faced with unlovely people. And we must keep in mind that He loves each and everyone of them. He may not love or like what they are doing, but He loves the person. Hate sin, but love people. God hates sin, because of what it does to people’s lives.

I remind myself of this as I drive down the road. God loves every person that cuts me off or tailgates me. God loves every person that is unkind or rude to me. God loves every person that frustrates me.

He loves them so much He sent His Son to die for them.

If you don’t already do this, begin to see people through His eyes.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (Matthew 9:35-36, KJV)

He was moved with compassion.

Remember we battle not against flesh and blood. Yes, there is a battle to wage here. But remember it is not against people but against principalities and powers. And remember, the people are the very ones we are battling for.