Just Love
Mark 12:20-31
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. 31 And this second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
Matthew 5:46
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
I heard someone say that it had been their anniversary. They had gone out of their way to make the day special for their mate, purchasing a great gift, making reservations and bringing flowers for them. Yet their mate didn’t even give them a card. I felt bad for how this had made the person feel which was very sad and disappointed. And to top it all off, the mate didn’t even say thank you for the effort that was put forth to really appreciate them and their relationship together.
There was a dear friend in my life who lived in another state. We never got to see each other, unless it was planned way in advance for many months. In past days we would have long visits which were always heartwarming and encouraging. She was like family to me. Every other week it was my turn to call her and have a long chat. The off week she would give me a call. When I would hear her voice on the other end of the line, my body would feel a wave of joy and relief knowing this was going to be a pleasant time of sharing with my old friend. When the call was ended, I always felt comforted and uplifted. This friend is home with the Lord now, and I miss those calls very much. Yet I have other friends that I hardly ever get a call from. I miss them. I don’t like keeping a foggy score, so I have processed with a lot of things in life, to call anyways, or give anyways. I believe this is what Jesus was saying to us. If you love someone because they love you and treat you in a good way, why, then you will love them back. No, I believe He was teaching us to love others unconditionally, even if they never reciprocate our love and affection. It’s not easy. It’s nice to be thanked. It’s nice to have a friend reach out to you just because. Over the years, I have thought through this process to “love your neighbor as yourself,” concept quite a few times. There have been times when my old nature would like to have won out, but I have found there is a relief that comes, I believe, from the Lord when we love someone unconditionally. When someone has hurt you, yet you still reach out to them. When someone is not living a godly life, yet you still you reach out to them, loving them in spite of their stumbling. There have been times when I’ve pulled back into myself, battling hurt and the disappointments of life, yet someone noticed me in my withdrawn time, gently pulled me out and loved me unconditionally. That’s the love of the Father. That’s the love of Jesus. I want to be like that. Love, love, love just because…it’s how I would want to be loved myself.
What about you? How do you love? Conditionally or with strings attached? Will you love if they never do anything for you? Jesus would. I want to be like Him and I hope you do too. Have a blessed day.
