12/24/09

Love




Just a couple of squirrels in a tree, but it is obvious there is something between them. Love is a curious concept, with various means of expression. We love our parents, our children, our spouse and our neighbors. We might love a hobby or something in nature or perhaps even your work. All these things are different, yet show some aspect of love. But what about the love of God; how does HE show love. Consider Luke chapter six...

Luke 6:32-35 WEB (R)
(32) If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
(33) If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
(34) If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.
(35) But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.


God does right, regardless! Hard for us to understand, but sending Jesus shows us that it is not just talk; it is action. Sometimes it is very hard to love those who don't seem worthy of anything but the harshest treatment, but we must try anyway. Even if the object of our love isn't cute and cuddly, like the squirrel. No, you don't have to cuddle up to your enemies, but do try to be nice; sometimes it works. A long time ago, a man I worked with named Tony tried to get me fired and it just happened that I was reading this verse that same day. So, I tested it out and for weeks I tried to be nice to him, even when he was mean to me. Not long after this, I was severely hurt on the job and the only person who visited me in the hospital (besides my family) was Tony. Hey, you never know! God can change a persons heart; I have seen it!!!