3 Ways Christian Introverts Can Love Like Jesus
Do you ever feel intimidated by the call to love your neighbors? If so, you are definitely not alone. In this post, Joanne shares three ways Christian introverts can love like Jesus.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:32 (NIV)
I love Jesus, but sometimes His children get on my nerves…
As I quietly sat, desperately trying to listen to my pastor’s sermon, I simultaneously prayed for the strength not to burst out and tell the lady a few aisles over to please shut up. She said “amen” or “you’re right” after every sentence.
A morning of running errands sometimes has me driving home well over the speed limit, listening to praise music on a very high volume with the bass thumping like an ’80s rock concert. My only thoughts being, “I’m sorry, Lord, maybe I could have witnessed to someone, but I didn’t use any bad language, and I’m wearing my favorite Christian t-shirt. Does that count?”
Honestly, there are some days I just don’t like other people.
“Love your neighbor” can be a difficult command for me. I am a classic introvert. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an introvert as a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone. My name should precede the definition. So what is an introverted Christian girl to do?
God Made Us Different
My mother and I are opposites. She craves social interactions, and I seek to avoid them. Put her in a room filled with people where she is yet to be part of the conversation, and she is like a Jack-in-the-box waiting for the last note of the tune so she can pop out. On the other hand, I would rather quietly sit back, listen, and observe.
My mother loves to be part of the group that knocks on doors and witnesses. As she knocks on the doors of strangers, her deepest desire is to engage in a good debate. My thought would be, “Nope!, sorry Lord, that is not how you made me.”
Please don’t misunderstand. If the Holy Spirit prompts me to speak to a stranger, I will reluctantly obey. Jesus will equip us for whatever He calls us to do. However, there have to be some other ways for an introverted Christian girl to show the love of Jesus without a pounding heart and sweaty palms.
3 Ways Christian Introverts Can Love Their Neighbors
Jesus asks us in Luke 6:32, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” Ouch! That is a tricky question. How do you demonstrate the love of Jesus when it’s challenging to love others as Jesus did?
1.) Be a Prayer Warrior
Galatians 6:2 | Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
What better way is there for an introvert to show the love of Christ? Praying for the difficult, challenging, and sometimes annoying people around us is the greatest way to show the love of Christ and fulfill the law of Christ. And yes, we are also commanded to pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)
2.) Listen to the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:14 | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Years ago, my husband and I joined a new church and attended a life group. At the time, my oldest son was going through a difficult time, so I shared a prayer request. Afterwards, a woman I had previously only said hello to asked if I’d like to have lunch. Years later, Beth is one of my closest friends, and we have shared many lunches and prayer requests. Beth is a fellow introvert who listened to the Holy Spirit and offered her friendship during a time I needed the extra support. Only God knew what I needed. I’m so thankful she listened to the subtle whisper of the Holy Spirit. She has encouraged me and inspired me to pursue our shared love of writing. Be open to listening to that subtle whisper. It will guide you to someone who needs a little introverted one-on-one.
3.) Secret Acts of Kindness
Matthew 6:1 | “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
I can sit in a group setting for quite a while and listen to others’ conversations. In doing so, I have learned to glean helpful information. As an introvert, I was happy to secretly leave a grocery gift card in a fellow teacher’s mailbox after hearing she was having a difficult time buying groceries for her four children while her husband was out of work.
Secret acts of kindness are a perfect introverted activity that shows the love of Christ without drawing any attention to oneself. (Introverts rarely want to be the center of attention. ) We also get to be the hands and feet of Jesus in answering others’ prayers.
Love Like Jesus
We all have days when it is difficult for us to show the love of Christ. Let’s face it, people can be difficult and annoying, and even the ones we love can get on our nerves. I’m sure there are days even Jesus finds His children to be difficult. Yet, He still loves us with an everlasting love. He suffered on the cross for us all. The least we can do for Him is find a way to love His difficult children. Be a prayer warrior, listen for His subtle whisper, and secretly act with kindness.
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