Let’s be real! You and I both know most people (you might be one of them) only love conditionally. The entry, into some hearts, comes with long-binding lists of stipulations. It easier to break into Fort Knox than to get inside a locked-up heart.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 14:34)
I think the most challenging commandment from God is to love unconditionally. Choosing to obey, or not, is evidence of who we are? If we lose sight of loving others, it’s our loss on so many levels. We have to keep in mind, just because a person’s behavior is despicable does not get us off the hook from loving them; no more than our prejudices, bigotries, and unforgiveness will excuse us.
Surely God didn’t mean I have to love that “person.”
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)
Meanwhile, the good news is we don’t have to “feel” love to treat people nice. We should put more stress on love as an action, and not so much it being a feeling. All we have to do is treat others with respect, the way we want to be respected. Then after we do this act of kindness, if we feel like screaming or pulling our hair out, at least we did what was commanded. Hopefully, the attitude will fall in line, later. Ask God to help with that.
Do you think faith and answered prayers are linked somehow to this commandment? Just a thought!
We can’t pick and choose what we are willing to obey, then expect our faith and prayers not to be affected by our decisions. Obeying the Word of God is key; if we think otherwise, we have been deceived.
Jesus is our example. He left heaven to come down here to live amongst: appalling and despicable people. They lied on Him, they spat on Him, and they eventually crucified Him. Yet, He loved them unconditionally.
No one—gets a pass to love conditionally!
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)
© 2018
See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.
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