If any of us have loved, we certainly know that pain is part of the package. It is interesting how much we avoid pain except in the extraordinary case of love. When we love someone, sacrifice becomes familar to us. We think of them first before ourselves and our needs. We become excited when they respond to our affection and return it. Any parent, sibling, friend, or lover should know that the bond of love has potential for pain attached to it.
So let`s think deeper about it. Why are we willing to committ ourselves to loving another person? The Bible speaks saying "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12)" When we love, God`s Spirit is manifest in us. If we are to remember Christ`s painful sacrifice on the cross perhaps it would ease our pain as we go through difficult times with those we love. If we remember that Christ would not even let the least of his pain be removed, but refused the gall mixed wine (a poison to end his suffering on the cross offered by a man at the cross). If we can recall the suffering of Christ and know that love is the reason that He could endure to the end, then we can be inspired and enpowered to love as He loves.
Just take a look at how many times the Bible says "love endures forever". Where everything else comes to an end. Love keeps things going. God`s love and committment to creation is what holds everything together. May His committment to us inspire us in whatever difficulties we are facing. Truly loving others is the most amazing and ardous thing of life. But ask yourself without love what reason is there to live. For those who love not and know not love, to them is everlasting misery and contempt.
No comments:
Post a Comment