It was in a hotel room in Asheville, NC on a cold, rainy weekend. My grand plans to run, hike, bike, or otherwise be outside were ruined by the steady, pelting rain. The ceremony was prepped for and one can only practice the homily so many times. One way or another, the ceremony would go off, the couple would be married this time tomorrow. So here I was, the balance of a day to spend in some pursuit suited to this type of situation.
Reaching into my bag, I pulled out one of the books I was working my way through. I just happened to pull out 'Blue Like Jazz' by Donald Miller. Being most of the way through the book, and having enjoyed what I had read so far, I settled myself on the generic hotel couch to read some more.
It was in a hotel room in Asheville, NC on a cold, rainy weekend that I was confronted with the difference between love and the imitation-love I had learned how to practice. Miller speaks of our tendency to use love as a commodity; something given, withheld, and traded based on the nature of the object. If a person performs acceptably, they earn love. Do something that offends or I don't like, no love for you.
Love is not a commodity. Christ doesn't use it that way. He tells us to love even those people who deserve our suspicion, wrath, or vengeance.
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty." Matthew 5:43-47 (MSG)
How are you doing at that?
Are you loving those in your LifeGroup?
Are you challenging them to love each other?
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