For now we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face. My understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood. Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I was sitting in church yesterday contemplating the great weight God places on us loving each other and how difficult a challenge that is. It’s easy to generalize that we love people and it’s easy to return love, but what about all the hard stuff? Like someone we disagree with, someone who hates us, or even someone who irritates us? Even those we love most of the time, can fall into those categories on occasion. What does the Bible say about all this? Let’s look deeper.

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I was reading this scripture again as I was putting my thoughts in order and a new aha moment clicked. Read this next verse:

We love because he first loved us.
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If we are to love others like Jesus did, we must be the first to love. It shouldn’t depend on where others are in their walk with Jesus, or how they treat us.

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

What about those we don’t see eye to eye with? Shouldn’t we argue our point?

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is a difference between arguing and teaching. Look at this next verse.

You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you may most certainly rebuke your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him. [Gal 6:1; 1 John 2:9, 11; 3:15] You shall not take revenge nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor (acquaintance, associate, companion) as yourself; I am the Lord. [Matt 5:43-46; Rom 12:17, 19]
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We shouldn’t hate, take revenge or bear a grudge. But what is rebuking?

In the Bible, the term “rebuke” is used to convey a strong expression of disapproval, reproof, or correction. It often implies a stern or sharp criticism intended to correct someone’s behavior, attitude, or actions. The concept of rebuke is closely tied to discipline, correction, and the pursuit of righteousness.

We may hold differing opinions and disagree on certain things, but the truth God reveals in the Bible is something we should stand fast in.

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head  — Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity… Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬, ‭25‬-‭27‬, ‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Love can be present in conflict, disagreement, anger, irritation, and even persecution. Christ is clear about getting our priorities straight. This next call to love is the most challenging.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. If you do this, you will be children who are truly like your Father in heaven. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭47‬ ‭ERV‬‬

Finally, one more reminder to put on love over all.

You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When our own love falters, we only need to look at God’s love for us and the rest is easy.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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