(1 Thessalonians 4:9)
This is one of the hardest disciplines in the Christian life. Love is not just something we say, but something we do. And in our difficult relationships, we are taught by God (Through His Son) to love one another, in spite of the differences, and difficulties.
The story is told of a man who stood watching an old farmer plowing with his mule. After a while, the stranger said to the farmer, “I don’t like to tell you how to do your job, but you could save yourself a lot of work by saying, ‘Gee’ and ‘Haw’ to that mule instead of just tugging on those reigns.”The old farmer pulled a big handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his face.Then he said, “Reckon you’re right, but this mule kicked me five years ago and I haven’t spoken to him since.”
When the world is in such need to see an example of genuine love and forgiveness, how can we the church of Jesus Christ act the way we do, towards those who hurt and harm us? As someone has written:
"How can we teach all nations, if we haven't learned the lesson at home?"
Our love will be tested, and the fruit of the Spirit "Long Suffering" must be exercised. (Galatians 5:22) Only then will we develop the unity and stability the family of God must have.
Love is not just a feeling, it is a principle that we are commanded to obey, even when our heart would rather do the opposite. GP
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