I have long realized that my love is quite feeble and conditional. I recognize that I do not love well, but it is something that I aspire to do. As I read through 1 Corinthins 13, I recognize that this is a description of God and His love. But, when I keep my eyes on Him and allow Him to love through me, then my love begins to look more like His, because it is. It is certainly hard to love those that don't return the affection. Its hard to treat others the way you would like to be treated when the action is not reciprocated. But, we continue to love whether it is received or not. Just like Jesus. Love is not always a feel good emotion. Sometimes telling someone the truth is incredibly loving but seems harsh on the surface. I don't want God to sugar coat the things that I need to rid myself of. I want to know if something is killing me or if something that I am doing is wrong. I don't want to be coddled or lied to in the name of love so that my sensibilities are not offended. Love is certainly messy and it can be hard.
In all of the emotional work that the Lord takes us through, sometimes it is good to place a boundary so that the heart has a chance to heal and to strengthen from the surgery that God has just brought it through. Much like a physical surgery, there are limitations to what you should be doing initially so that you dont undo what the surgical procedure was able to correct. Once wounds are healed then we can step back into the arena and love with a love that may be hard at first but is strengthened as we train and use it. This is definitely an area that requires constant work and training to become proficient at.
I have long realized that my love is quite feeble and conditional. I recognize that I do not love well, but it is something that I aspire to do. As I read through 1 Corinthins 13, I recognize that this is a description of God and His love. But, when I keep my eyes on Him and allow Him to love through me, then my love begins to look more like His, because it is. It is certainly hard to love those that don't return the affection. Its hard to treat others the way you would like to be treated when the action is not reciprocated. But, we continue to love whether it is received or not. Just like Jesus. Love is not always a feel good emotion. Sometimes telling someone the truth is incredibly loving but seems harsh on the surface. I don't want God to sugar coat the things that I need to rid myself of. I want to know if something is killing me or if something that I am doing is wrong. I don't want to be coddled or lied to in the name of love so that my sensibilities are not offended. Love is certainly messy and it can be hard.
In all of the emotional work that the Lord takes us through, sometimes it is good to place a boundary so that the heart has a chance to heal and to strengthen from the surgery that God has just brought it through. Much like a physical surgery, there are limitations to what you should be doing initially so that you dont undo what the surgical procedure was able to correct. Once wounds are healed then we can step back into the arena and love with a love that may be hard at first but is strengthened as we train and use it. This is definitely an area that requires constant work and training to become proficient at.
Just my thoughts.