Good morning. Is there anyone with whom you are so angry that you find yourself comfortable with the idea that at least you won’t have to deal with them in heaven? That doesn’t seem like an unreasonable attitude, especially since there are people who seem so engaged in evil, so dedicated to saying and doing things that are contrary to all you believe to be right and holy, that they deserve to find themselves cut off from God for eternity.
It is easy to form such an attitude, but we had best be aware that it is not shared by God. As a matter of fact, that idea is completely opposite of the will and intention of God. We read in 2 Peter 3:8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
The first statement is speaking about any feelings we may have of impatience, wanting the Lord to return and put an end to the evil madness that we see in the world around us. We are told that God doesn’t consider time as we do, instead He sees everything only through the eyes of all inclusive love. It is the heart of God that no one would spend eternity away from Him. He loves us all, the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the… well… in truth there are none who are ugly in His loving eyes.
Peter continues with the reminder that the Day of the Lord will come, and it will come like a thief, unannounced and unexpected. Since His coming is certain there are two things that should capture our thinking. The first is that we must live our lives every minute as though it could be our last, and then we find ourselves in the arms of God. The second truth is that since his coming is inevitable, we should do all we can to save the lost rather than hating them for the evil of their ways.
May our hearts be as His, blessed by an all-inclusive love.
Vern