As Christians, love is the very root of who we are. We began with love.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus spoke of love, saying: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself."
Love is supposed to be the thing that sets us apart from others. The thing that helps others recognize us as followers of Christ. What we are to seek. To strive for. And to share. We are even called to love our enemies.
So, what do we do when we don’t feel love in return? When we feel neglected or rejected?
God loves us even when we turn our back on Him.
When we refuse to speak to Him. When we reject His commandments and ways. Still He loves us!
Yes, He may chastise or discipline us as we live in doubt and sin. When we don’t trust Him. But He waits patiently, always loving us until the moment we confess our wrongs and turn back to Him. He is there to welcome us with open, loving arms. Forgiving and loving us in His great mercy.
To love like Christ, we must love even when our affections don’t seem to be returned. When the love isn’t being “earned”. When we don’t feel as though our love and the things we do to show it are being appreciated. Still we choose love.
TODAY’S DARE: LOVE IS A CHOICE, NOT A FEELING. IT IS AN INITIATED ACTION, NOT A KNEE-JERK REACTION. CHOOSE TODAY TO BE COMMITTED TO LOVE EVEN IF YOUR SPOUSE HAS LOST MOST OF THEIR INTEREST IN RECEIVING IT. SAY TO THEM TODAY IN WORDS SIMILAR TO THESE, “I LOVE YOU. PERIOD. I CHOOSE TO LOVE YOU EVEN IF YOU DON’T LOVE ME IN RETURN.”
I consider myself tremendously blessed that the Man of the House makes loving easy. He makes me feel loved. He returns my affections.
There are times in life when we just don’t feel very loving. Maybe it’s a bad mood, maybe it’s “that time of the month”, maybe we just aren’t feeling appreciated and wonder if it’s worth it. During those times, I want to make the decision to chose love. And to show it.
“I have chosen the faithful way.” ~ Psalm 119:30
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