LOVE

When the subject of this article was first laid on my heart, I thought, "no problem."  I'd just quote I Corinthians 13, and I John 4, and be sure to include the passage about recognizing believers by their love for each other, but Abba had a more personal experience in mind, and I've learned a lot . . .

First and foremost, when it comes to humans, love is not necessarily a two way street.  "Like" is usually reciprocal.  When two people like each other, love can also be part of the equation.  Like and love are not mutually exclusive, however; we are called to love people who don't love us.  We are called to love people, we don't even like.  Love is a choice and a decision.  Messiah stated it quite clearly in Matthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Suddenly my nice sweet article about love turned into a real life challenge!  This past week, I seemed to annoy several folk, and they appeared to feel quite free to share that fact with me!  Ah . . . I can feel the love . . . As it turns out, I prefer to love people that love me and if they are going to share their disdain, I prefer them at a distance!  I was going to say I prefer them to share it with someone else, but having now witnessed that in the passive aggression of social media, I've thought better of that idea.  I don't expect applause and rave reviews, but I've received some interesting opinions and comments this week in which I've had to reconsider my response . . .

I was doing pretty well early in the week.  I frequently pray the Psalms and 141:3 is standard.  Set a watch, O YHWH, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.  One individual I deal with on a regular basis had been particularly testy for some time.  I was feeling pretty good about my self-control.  I stopped short of patting myself on the back, but I'm sure you can guess what happened, next.   The pressure went up, and . . . I hit the boiling point.  We are told in Scripture that six is the number of man; so after six days of his bad attitude, I'd had enough of that man . . . and told him so.  I don't swear, I don't really yell, I have a very cold, calculating presence when I've hit my limit.  I don't do anything physical, but I know my words and body language are certainly not reflective of love and comfort.  Perhaps that trait would be warranted if used to defend someone else or defuse a threatening situation, but not when I'm coming out fighting for me!

I'd like to begin this new week feeling like I passed that interesting lesson, but I'm not even feeling like a C-.  I really didn't want to have to go around this mountain again!  I did learned a lot through the week.  By the number of times I thought to myself "k'vetch, k'vetch, k'vetch," as I listened to someone; I would say I still have a lot more to learn.

There are many hurting people in this world, and often simple misunderstandings become all about their pain. That is simply where they are.  In realizing some people are just having a bad time or in a bad place, it's easier to see their attitude isn't about me and simply reach out in love, or . . .stand back in prayer.  Giving a piece of my mind is not the appropriate response to someone's bad attitude.  True G-dly love is frequently not reciprocated, but those who don't return love, are the ones who need it the most.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of G-d; and every one that loveth is born of G-d, and knoweth G-d.  He that loveth not knoweth not G-d; for G-d is love.  I John 4:7-8