“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
On Saturday, my sweetie and I celebrated our 28th wedding
anniversary. Over the years, believe it
or not, my sweetheart has done some things that irritated me and yes even hurt
me. I also realize that, on occasion, I
have done the same thing to him. I can
choose to let small petty things bother and damage a relationship or I can
choose to let them go and forgive.
However, we often hold on to those hurts and then they fester and poison
the relationship. Whether it’s a
spouse, a coworker, a parent, child, or someone else we choose to extend love
or not. I know it’s not a popular thing
to say, but especially in marriage, love is definitely a choice; an investment
into another person. Jesus tells his disciples “you must love one
another”. The word Jesus uses is must,
not ought to, or should, or even try; it’s a command, not a suggestion. One
thing I am sure of, if Jesus commands it we can do it because God would never
ask us to do what is not possible for us to do. It may take time, and it may
not be easy, but it will be worth it. Christian friends let's love the way God loved
us. Who among us does not need and want
love?
