We are not just given the opportunity to love, we are commanded to love! But, how many of us really obey that commandment?
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers,fn what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
For most of us, it is difficult enough to love our friends and family members, but according to the verses above, we are to love our enemies as well! We are to love those who hate and despise us, and those who make our lives miserable. We are to LOVE them!! And note, Jesus didn’t say to love them any less than we love our friends and family. Jesus’ love doesn’t have different degrees or levels, He loves all men the same.
We read in Leviticus 19:18, “…but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” So, we should love others as much as we love ourselves. Real love doesn’t ask how much MUST I love, but rather, how much CAN I love? Our love for others should not be based on how much they love us. Remember, Jesus loved the world, even though the world rejected and despised Him. Our goal in life should be to love, not to BE loved; to give, not to GET; and to serve, not to BE served! Too often, we love out of desire to get or obtain. Jesus’ love is unconditional, and so should our love be the same!
Many years ago, a missionary to China told the story about a man who came to him wanting to know more about Jesus. The young man said, “Years ago, during the Boxer Uprising of 1900, I was one who took part in stoning any foreigners who were in China. One stone I threw hit a missionary, and the blood began to flow down his face. The missionary looked at me with a look of love and said, ‘Father, forgive them’.” “That look,” said the man, has haunted me ever since. When I heard you had come to share the same Gospel message, I absolutely had to come hear it!”
What an impact that look of love had on that man. Yet, let’s recall the circumstances; That missionary was being stoned, yet he still showed love! We need to have that kind of love! That’s the kind of love that will impact and change the world for Jesus Christ!