Loving one another, as commanded, is harder than it seems for most of us. There are times in our lives that someone has hurt us and forgiveness does not come easy.

John 13:34-35 (KJV) “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Think of a co-worker that takes the time to personally attack you in front of other co-workers. How do you love and show love to that person?

As a believer in Christ, at times your Heavenly Father says the to you, “Be nice to your brother. . .” Our human tendency is to shout, “No! I don’t want to! Even though he’s a Christian, he isn’t treating me nicely. It isn’t fair that I have to be kind to him when he is being mean to me.” Still your Heavenly Father says, “Be kind to one another.” In fact, He goes on farther as to say, “Love one another as I have loved you.” And when you ask, “Why,?” He replies, “So others will see that you follow Me.”

Someone will hurt your feelings.

Someone will disappoint you.

Someone will mistreat you.

Someone will speak negatively about you.

Someone will misunderstand you.

Someone may even intentionally misuse or abuse you.

In spite of all of those negative things (and more) that may take place, God’s command is simple.

God never said that people would not let us down or wouldn’t cause us pain. Yet He did plainly tell us that we are STILL commanded to love them as He has loved us. We can’t walk around keeping score of the wrongs and constantly reminding people of their faults. Even worst, we should never contemplate ways to return hurt to people for the things they’ve done to us.

The next time you are tempted to hold back your love from others, just think about how awful it would be if God held back His love from you.

Rev. DJ