So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. (‭Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭20‬ ESV)

A hard lesson I have learned, particularly as a leader, is that not everybody in my life is seeking my good.

Peppered amongst the group of people who surround me – family, friends, church, etc. – there are people who seem sincere, but whose loyalties lie elsewhere.

I can have a few different responses:

1. Ignorance. I can blissfully go through life assuming that everyone likes me and is for me. But one day I will learn a very hard lesson.

2. Defensiveness. I can distrust everybody and become skeptical. Conspiracy theories will prevent me from having any valuable relationships at all.

3. Faithfulness. I can be loyal and honest, despite the people in life who aren’t.

Long before He was betrayed, Jesus perceived (by the Holy Spirit) that Judas would be disloyal. But Judas’ disloyalty never changed Jesus’ faithfulness.

In fact, Jesus even called Judas His friend.

Being like Jesus means being loving people who don’t deserve it.

It’s easy to love people who love you. But God’s love goes deeper.

Father,
Help me to love people unconditionally.
In Jesus’ name, amen.