Love – Growing in Grace

If this year has taught us anything, has it not yet cultivated in us the profound seriousness of loving one another?

I’m not talking about selective love; picking and choosing.

That’s counterfeit.

I’m talking about loving EVERYONE.

Regardless of who they are: Republican. Democrat. Poor. Rich. Gay. Straight. Black. White. Old. Young. Left. Right.

I mean REALLY loving them; Seeking to benefit them at your own personal expense.

Those who are H-A-R-D to love, with a capitol H. You know who I’m talking about. We all know a few of those people don’t we?

This morning, I sat on the porch, completely undistracted, and watched my twins play together for hours. They giggled, shared, hugged and kissed one another like crazy, and chatted like best friends. I barely said a word to them; didn’t have to. Just sat back, and watched.

I realize they are twin sisters and their bond is special. But seeing them love on each other got me thinking about real love; and what that really means.

As Christians we are commissioned to love one another. Period. Without discrimination, partiality, or respect of person.

Sometimes we like to pat ourselves on the backs and convince ourselves that we are loving so well. Truth is, the majority of us are loving with judgement, expectations, out of obligation, or worst of all, simply not loving.

I’m envious of my girls’ kind of love. It’s the epitome of pure. It sees no circumstance, age, race, color, preference, religion, political stance or agenda.

Bottom line: if you’re not loving like THAT, you’re doing it wrong. And so am I.

This should be common sensical. Yet somehow it’s not. We’ve lived into a world that seems to thrive off of hate and division. It’s been gut wrenching to witness, especially this year. Division, contention, and loss of friendships over differing opinions.

I’m guilty. We all are to some degree.

As Christians we should be extensions of God’s heart and hands. When we obediently love the Lord with all that we are, we will also love others unselfishly.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to love me more; I need to love GOD more. And the more I love God, the better I see, love and serve others. If you find yourself having to muster up love for other people, then you’re not loving like Jesus loves.

Wouldn’t the world be a much more joyful place if we could all love a little more like this?

Jesus said when we come to him, we must come as a little child.

It’s no wonder.