Love is deliberate. It doesn’t happen by accident. It’s true that some people are easier to love than others, but even when it comes to the easiest person to love, it must be a deliberate action on our behalf.
The kind of love that I’m referring to is the greatest of loves that the Bible refers to, that love that the Greek language calls agape.
It can be described by its many qualities listed in 1 Corinthians 13 and at its heart agape love can simply be described as self-sacrificing.
When you find yourself frustrated with another person, and especially with a brother or sister in Christ, we need to train ourselves to love the person in the midst of the difficult moment.
Why? There are many reasons, but let’s go straight to the most significant reason. Jesus loves you despite your character flaws. He expects you to love others despite theirs. And as an added bonus, Peter teaches us in 1 Peter 4:8,
8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Do you see what Peter is saying there? He’s saying that you can mess up a lot, but despite your mess, if you love one another, love overpowers your imperfections.
But also notice the words, keep fervent, which is Peter’s way of telling us that the self-sacrificing love that the Lord expects of his children does not come naturally and does not come easily. It must be deliberate. Train yourself to love others when it’s not easy.
Remembering Christ’s love for you is the key to your success.
I’m sorry for all that I lack. Please forgive my offenses. This is what I ask of God and from you.
I love you all more than you know and appreciate your patience with me.
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
