The love we show to others has less to do with them, and more to do with Jesus. Although we’ve been raised in a world that teaches us to love those who love us, we must grow past that. We must be able to just love- regardless of how others may treat us.
Following Christ is about living a live of love. Again, the love we show others has nothing to do with them and everything to do with the One we follow:
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
– Ephesians 5:1
We love others just as Christ has loved us.
This is easy to understand yet not always easy to implement. It does get easier, however, after we make the decision to obey. Once we decide that we are going to obey and love as Jesus has commanded us, He will strengthen us and enable us to do what He’s called us to do.
He will give us exactly what we need and He will not put more on us than we can bear. The level of mistreatment that He allows your way is not more than what you are able to handle. Yes, it will hurt, but you can handle it.
To love through the hurt is real love. This is what Jesus is all about. Love is much more than loving those who love you. That’s simply just reciprocating affection. Anyone can do that. Jesus himself said:
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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 5:43-44
Loving our enemies requires maturity, obedience, and a love for God that motivates us to do whatever He commands us to do. We must trust that God will protect us, and that somehow He is getting glory out of the situation- which He always does, whether we realize it or not.
We know that God is a God of order, and while our perspective and sight is limited, He is able to see the beginning from the end. He is able to see the hearts, and He is also able to see what will result from our obedience to Him. He sees all, we just have to trust Him, and our trust for Him will enable us to obey Him.
We must never underestimate the power of obedience to God.
We must also keep in mind that we will all reap what we sow. None of us can get away with wrongdoing. We don’t know when or how it will come back around, but it will always come back (Galatians 6:7). This is consolation for us when we’re mistreated.
They won’t get away with it, it’s just not our job to pay them back. It’s always our job to just love.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
– Romans 12:19-21
No matter what comes your way: the lies, the masks, the hate, the rejection, the envy- Just love. Don’t worry, don’t fear, and don’t fight back. Obey God and allow your enemies to see the goodness of the Lord in your life- all the days of your life (Psalm 23).
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