Generally speaking, I am a fairly well-liked individual. The people that I work for like me (I work as a contractor). When I go to a birthday party and don't know anyone, I get along well with the people there. I think the reason that I am liked is because I really try to put into practice what Jesus commands us. I try to treat those I meet as I would want to be treated. I try to love those I meet and not see them as just someone to get something from. My clients can see that I am trying to be fair with them and not trying to rake them over the coals with my pricing, because Jesus teaches contentment. I try to answer all questions that I get honestly because God teaches me to put off falsehood. Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven". I want those I come in contact with to see Jesus in me, that He may be glorified. In short, I am liked not because of who I am, but because of how He has taught me to be.
This can all change in an instant though. As soon as I start obeying some difficult passages of scripture or speaking about some difficult things that Jesus addressed, the admiration that they have for me can turn sour and even become hatred. One moment, they see me as loving, and the next moment they see me as hateful. Jesus also said, "It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!" People like to be around someone who is loving, kind and gentle, but they do not like being around someone who challenges them to repent, or whose life convicts them of sin. I have to do both. I cannot just be gentle and kind; I must also point to what Jesus requires of all of us. My encouragement is to be like Christ and let men see your good deeds that God may be glorified, but also be like Christ by being willing to be hated by men for doing what is right, and if they hate you for it, let them. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10.
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To listen to different thoughts from Edward:
https://rumble.com/c/c-5501477/videos
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God bless you!
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