There are several verses of scripture that stick in your mind throughout life. Being that love is one of God's greatest commands, the verses on love are numerous.
In John 15:17 NLT, Jesus says, "This is my command:Love each other." I have read it a million times and even thought it a million times. It's not until this season of my life that I finally read it for its REAL meaning.
I know you are probably thinking that it's quite simple and can be taken for its words. You are right, the words can be taken at face value and if applied, put us in a good place. However, it's what the words DON'T SAY that's important here.
The scripture tells us that God commands us to love. They do not say we should BE LOVED. Although we want to be loved and God commands that others love us, that is not OUR job. We can't worry about being loved. We know that God loves us. He loves us enough that He sent His son to be beaten and killed on a cross for our mistakes. In my opinion, God's love is all sufficient.
As I travel down this broken road, facing the possibility of divorce really hurts. It tells me that my husband doesn't love me like God commands. And yes, I messed up and caused that love loss but no matter the reason, it still hurts.
Many days I have sat and tried to think of ways to make him love me. I've also said that I just need to find a way to not love him. You know what? First, making him love me can't happen and it's not my job to try to make it happen. Secondly, God COMMANDS me to love him. It's a command, not a suggestion or a "if you feel like it would be in your best interest" thing.
The greatest part of all of this is that God equips us with the love He expects us to give. He is love. If we have God, the Holy Spirit in our hearts, it just comes naturally.
As hard as I have tried to turn off the love for my husband, in self-preservation, God has given me more, in depth, unconditional love for him. Now I guess I could view this as a curse since my husband says it's over but God knows what He is doing. God may just be building my love skills. If my marriage ends, I will still love. I will have a better understanding of love and I will be following God's command to love. I can't worry or be held hostage by trying to be loved.
Next time you find yourself worrying about someone loving you, remember that God commands us TO love, not be loved. It takes the pressure off.
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