Alligator hides with soft insides

When i first heard this phrase in the title above in a message 2 weeks ago, i was struck by first the rhymes... haha the literature teacher inside me appreciated the poetry...

This was quickly followed by a realisation of the truth in the phrase.

Whether we are working in the marketplace or serving in the church, we come into contact with people with different experiences, backgrounds, opinions, perspectives, beliefs, convictions... the list goes on...

It is not surprising that we get irritable, upset, disappointed, angry, frustrated, sometimes disillusioned, with people we work with, often with our leaders as well.

But we cannot allow this to stop us from impacting and influencing the lives of others as we have been commanded to do in the Great Commission.

Paul exhorts us in 1 Cor 13 that we need to live and walk in love, and then goes on to define what that love is. I have often looked at the list in disbelief and think: who in the world can do that? That's just too much!!

But we can...

When we were born again, our spirits became alive unto God, affecting our entire being. We can have a relationship with God. Our spiritual DNA was totally transformed! The Holy Spirit injected into our spirit the ability to love the way God loves, which brings us back to 1 Cor 13. So we can love people the way Paul described; we are able to demonstrate the love of God in our lives.

This is the soft insides in the title phrase.

God's love is tough. Romans 8:38-39 shows us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. That's how tenacious God's love is. The love of God does not give up when things are difficult, when we encounter challenges, when we face problems, when people disagree with us, disappoint us, hurt us, anger us.

When we grow in the Lord, we are established in Him and in His Word. Our love is being perfected as we continue to act in love. That's how we become tough. That's how we overcome. That's how we bounce back.

Alligator hides. Strong exterior, but still sensitive to the Holy Spirit, still compassionate to others in need, still kind and loving even when people are difficult.

His love compels me, strengthens me, sensitizes me...