it's easy to love
when others are doing as you think they should...
when they are on the same page with you,
talking like you,
living like you,
worshipping like you...
when it's easy though,
is it really love?
or is it just agreement (kwim?)
are we not truly showing love
true love
when we look at those that make choices that make us shake our head...
that choose behaviors that damn them to consequences that will cost them far more than they want to pay,
when they are hurtful,
selfish,
and self centered...
we have this thinking, thinking...this tough love
we rehabilitate enablers (hee)
we want people to know they can't just treat people any ol' way and continue to benefit...
I won't disagree-
I think there are boundaries
absolutely
I think you can lose yourself and any good you can do
when you let yourself be lost in someone else and their baggage...
but again in balance
I think we have to look to Jesus.
what was his example...
he said do well to them that hurt you and use you.
[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. Matt. 5:44]
that verse goes against all our natural thinking...I mean really, who is going to volunteer to let someone hurt them, over and over...but the key is it doesn't so much say continue to let them hurt you...it says to PRAY for them. That doesn't mean you have to continually put yourself in the path of their hurt, however, what I find so interesting is that when you are praying for someone, your heart is kept tender toward them.
God wants what is best for us...He in no way wants us to be a doormat-I in no way think that is His design...
I do think He wants use to be ''Jesus mats''... I think loving like Jesus loves ...I mean really, look at how he met people where they were, how he touched their lives, ministered to their needs, healed their hurts...study through his examples--does that not challenge you (me!) in how we are loving others...
Finding the balance is not easy...
but loving
truly loving like Jesus
loving when it hurts
when you feel foolish
when it's not returned because they aren't at a place where they can...
being Jesus
that is when
our hearts are renewed
we mount up with wings as eagles
we run and not go weary
we walk and won't faint*
love
it really is all about love
*(Isaiah 40:31)
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This makes me think of so many of the families that I work with. Some of the parents are so exhausted and hurt by their children's behavior...behavior that they've tried to encourage, discipline, demand to change but it continues. Some of these parents are so angry that they are on the verge of hating their own children. I don't tell that it's easy, but I do remind them, that, no matter what, their children need to feel loved.
I think it's true for everyone though...not just kids. Most people already know they're doing wrong and that people are upset with them. I really believe that love can transform. I believe that the love of God can transform, but that we only know the love of God through experiencing love from His people.
~Michelle
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