LOVE THAT HURTS (ROM. 5:8)

It is normal to love those who love you and abnormal to love those who hate you. Jesus, our Lord, said “love your enemies and pray for them”.(Matt 5:43-45). This sounds difficult. It is hurting when you must love against your will, but God demonstrated this type of love when He gave Jesus His only begotten Son to die for mankind even while we were yet sinners meaning while we hated Him.

God’s love (Agape) is sacrificial, generous compassionate and extends all people the race or color. This transcends human understanding and requires God to administer this kind in our heart hence we must be born of God (1 Jn 4:7). Practically, love involves caring for others, showing kindness, forgiveness and being empathetic. It calls for putting others’ needs and wellbeing before one’s own. It seeks to understand and support others through life challenges. ln Mathew 22: 37-39, Jesus gave love priority over all other Christian virtues. Every other Christian virtue (goodness, kindness etc.) must be done within the context of love without which they will amount to nothing. Apostle Paul lends credence to this (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

God commands that we love Him and love our neighbors. We should seek to do this daily. As children of God, love is shed abroad in our heart. God, who is love, resides in our heart and the Holy Spirit gives the fruit (love). So, we have the capability to love like God. Let love flow through you to the world. Only you can stop it. We must let go and let God. Have you been persecuted, betrayed, bashed, disappointed, rejected by people like Jesus. As powerful as these words are God says we must not hate. This is the time to open your heart to God’s Word, let Him heal your hurt and help you love truly. Finally, the love of God is to keep His commandment, if we truly love God, it shows by the way we love the brethren and others.

PRAYER FOCUS: Oh Lord, grant me the grace to seek youpassionately, to love you my God, brethren and others on a daily basis.