"Looking At Love"

Jesus spoke: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." (Luke 6:32) We hear often about love. Christian people speak of love, loving their brother and just love, love, love. It is from God but let's examine the teaching of Jesus a little deeper.

As long as all goes well and everyone is getting along it's all love. "We love the brethren!" "We love this congregation!" "We love the preacher!" Something happens that mixes in our heart. Someone didn't shake my hand and walked right by me. Someone didn't acknowledge my struggles. No one thanked me for my efforts. Suddenly, the heart grasps hold of the hurt and what happens? A slow darkness begins to settle over us. Our attitudes toward an individual or congregation begin to change. It grows worse each time we see this individual or individuals and please, don't let them talk to me about being a Christian! Our disposition becomes sour. What's worse, it is such a subtle darkness that has taken hold that many can't recognize the darkness. John speaks this way: "But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes." (I John 2:11)

Jesus said if we love those who love us, His love makes little impact in our lives. Sinners, those separated from the Lord can love on that level. Godly love that comes from the Father into our hearts is a love that will not take any wrongs and let them fester! Love is not self-seeking or self-centered. True cross-bearing love reaches out even when we think we have been hurt. It takes on the heart of Christ Jesus and doesn't allow feelings to turn them another direction. They still promote selflessness, commitment to the best for others and not consider themselves. They won't allow hurts to be harbored and look for opportunities to do good to those who have hurt them. How do we gain such love? Through Christ Jesus our Lord. Didn't He do that to you?