As Christians, we are called to love one another unconditionally. True Christian love should reflect the love of Jesus Christ — a love that is patient, forgiving and selfless.
Sometimes, we claim to love people, but our actions reveal that our love comes with conditions. We love those who love us, help those who help us, and forgive only when we feel the person deserves forgiveness.
However, is this the kind of love Christ taught us?
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.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
This command reminds us that Christian love goes beyond loving people who are good to us. It challenges us to demonstrate love even when it is difficult.
This does not mean that we should tolerate wrongdoing, abuse, or unhealthy behaviour, but we should choose to respond with wisdom, forgiveness, and compassion instead of hatred.
Our words and actions should make people experience the love of God through us.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Romans 12:4 (KJV)
Let us stop wishing evil upon those who have offended us. Let us stop praying for the downfall of others simply because they have forsaken and hurt us.
We cannot claim to represent Christ while deliberately using our words to destroy others. Instead, we ought to learn to pray for their healing, repentance, and salvation.
Our love should extend beyond our families, friends, and those who agree with us. We should also show kindness to strangers, forgive those who have wronged us, encourage those who are struggling, and show compassion to those who may have nothing to offer us in return.
Think about how much God has forgiven us. If God were to love us only when we deserved His love, none of us would qualify.
Therefore, let us learn to love as Christ loved us.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
The world does not need Christians who only preach about love. It needs Christians who demonstrate love through their daily lives.
Let our love heal rather than hurt. Let our words encourage rather than destroy. Let our actions demonstrate compassion rather than hatred. Let our forgiveness replace bitterness. Let our lives reflect the character of Christ.
Let us remember that love is not merely something we say but something we must demonstrate as genuine believers.
May God give us the grace to love genuinely, forgive sincerely, and show kindness without expecting anything in return.
Amen.
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