What Would Love Do?
That is a question that Betty and I talk about frequently. When tough decisions arise, we filter it through “what would love do.” Sometimes the decisions we make may not appear to others as “done in love,” but we sincerely think it through and make the best decision we think possible.
For Christ followers the Bible is very clear on this we are to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls and likewise love our neighbors as ourselves, which means everybody (Mark 12:29-31).
The question in every situation of life is, What Would Love Do?
We all carry the ability to disappoint one another. This is true in family, at work, at school and in church. Sometimes if we don’t check every box we’re not accepted. Wouldn’t you love to be a part of a family, a work atmosphere, a school situation, or a church that loved you no matter what you have done in the past? It’s hard to meet up to everybody’s standards. Unmet expectations must be covered by grace either on your end or their end. Loving the unlovable sometimes brings misunderstanding among your peers, however, what would love would do?
Every day of my life I read discussion blogs, reflection papers, application papers and within these writings students share broken life relationship stories. Most of these students vary from ages 18 to the 60s. It’s amazing the fall out of mistrust spawned from family divisions, church conflicts and work......very bitter, even in the ranks of so called “Christ followers” which makes you wonder what Christ some may be following.
Think along the journey of your life! Ever been shunned, cut off, looked down upon, judged, or rejected? What has been your reaction? How have you responded? Let me ask you, what would love do?
Someone asked me the other day how long had I been in church ministry? After counting on my fingers 😊 I finally said, approximately 51 years. During those years I endured many church conflicts, hard-headedness, rejection, criticism, and judgement of my leadership. Did I make mistakes, yes, many. I reflect on those years as God having blessed me. Honestly, I never went through a difficulty or criticism that I did not need. The dear Lord desired to mature me on my life’s journey. There is not a bitter bone in my body concerning those difficult persons or situations. I am grateful that the Lord taught me so much during these difficult days and I love and pray regularly for those who were involved.
We would all like to take a journey where no one cared about who you were, but rather who you are.
That’s what love would do.