Who do you love?
February 27, 2015
Spouse, kids, perhaps extended family. Maybe a few close friends. Pretty easy to put a list together.
Okay. What about enemies? What about strangers? What about people of other religions or of no religion? Or people of the other political party? Or those who don’t look or sound like you? Or don’t live where or how you live?
What about that person who offended you? Or whose parents offended your parents? Or whose country offended your country?
The reasons to not love someone are pretty extensive, aren’t they?
Jesus said, “If you love those who love you, is that some big deal? Even sinners do that.” (Luke 6:32) He demanded something more, something fuller, something like how God loved him, and he loved us.
What does it mean to love everybody and why is it important? After all, there are over 7 billion people. Must we love them all?
In a word, yes. This is a love that is unconditional. It loves regardless of circumstances. It loves whether one is loved back. It loves even in the face of hatred, violence, and death. This is the kind of love God had for the world when He sent His beloved son. (John 3:16) And it’s the kind of love Jesus had for the world when he went to the cross. It’s the kind of love that’s expected of us.
Tall order.
But we can make a lot of progress if we start now. Be kinder. Be more forgiving. Be more helpful. Pray more. But more than that, challenge all of the thoughts that tell you someone is not lovable – for any reason. And then love them anyway.
Don’t you think this will go a long way to making a more lovely and loving world? And who doesn’t want that?
Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link. If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.
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February 28, 2015 at 3:40 AM
Big order? YES! Difficult? YES! But you are correct, so vital to our happiness and to a lifetime of giving and healing. Thank you so much. I struggle with this and being judgmental and critical. I love this and I guess it answers your question, “Who do I love”. Looks like it is YOU!!! Thanks Melissa!
February 28, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Thanks Pat. Nice to know there is enough Love to go around, so that we can reflect it back to each other. Keep up the good work.
February 28, 2015 at 7:52 AM
Hi Melissa, You have been on my mind. I stopped by to fill up on some of your wonderful worship and guidance for prayerful living. God bless you. –Vivian
February 28, 2015 at 7:58 AM
Bless you too, Vivian. Glad God has taken you here! I hope you find the refreshment you need.
March 2, 2015 at 9:53 AM
Can you update your records to show my new email address: laurelmarquart@gmail.com?Thanks!
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March 2, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Hi Laurel, I actually can’t do that since it’s governed by WordPress not me. You’ll have to go in and cancel your subscription with the first email and resubscribe with the second email. Glad to hear you’re still interested! Have a blessed day.