A dear young man “left” our church sometime ago. He did not just leave quietly. He sent me a disturbing message saying all manner of unimaginable things about me. Well, I overlooked them and simply moved on.
Some months later, he came to see me at the office. He first pretended as if all was well. But when he saw the way I smilingly welcomed him, asked about his welfare and all that, he was forced to say; “Sir, I’m sorry for all I said the other time. I did not know what came over me.” The apology did not make any difference to me; I had decided to love him still.
Friend, love is not a feeling. It is a decision. Most times, we would not feel like loving people. This is why you need to make the decision to love before offences and disappointments come. This would help you to walk in love when loving becomes tough. We need to realise that those who deserve to be loved the least need to be loved the most.
God demonstrated His love towards us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). This is one of the greatest proofs of love. God was not looking for a perfect us before He died for us. He made clear His love for us by not considering our actions or inactions. He actually loved us to action.
As a believer, you need to realise and remind yourself that love is your nature. It is a part of you. It was imparted into you when you received Jesus into your life. It is the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). When you understand that love is your nature, it would help you to live it out rather than behaving otherwise.
Since love is the fruit of the recreated human spirit, it is meant to be cultivated (Galatians 5:22). It is already in you. All you need to do is cultivate it, grow it, and live it. Just as sick people must not make the doctor sick, don’t let what people do or fail to do make you love less. The beauty of living the Christ life is to love when loving looks tough (John 13:35). I know he jilted you, but don’t harbour hatred in your heart.
Love always wins even when it appears to be stupid in the immediate (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love would bring the sinner to repentance. Love would make the prodigal return home (Luke 15:20). Love would make the hardened heart melt. Love would make a cantankerous wife to be submissive (Ephesians 5:25). Leverage God’s Grace and Spirit to love, regardless (Romans 5:5).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria