The Greatest Command

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Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.
Ephesians 5:1-2 TLB

How many Christians among us can say they are truly 'full of love for others'?  I know this is probably one of my biggest struggles.  Even when I am outwardly loving folks, I sometimes find myself all snarky on the inside; having to snuff out feelings of inadequacy and even jealousy, while congratulating them on their achievements and blessings.  I suppose the very fact that I recognize the wrongness of my ill feelings and the fact that these feelings frustrate me to no end is evidence that the Spirit is guiding me into all truth.

But still, God  has commanded us to love one another.  Commanded.  It's important, it's big, it's the very height of Christianity to obey this command.  But so often we Christians fail miserably at this most high calling.  We allow issues, politics, and any number of differences to excuse our disobedience in this area.  How many church families have dissolved over differences of opinion on simply managing a building? Or fallen into dispute over doctrinal differences that ultimately have no bearing on walking with Christ, anyway?

How many of us allow an 'at least I'm not that kind of sinner' attitude keep us from loving those who sin differently from ourselves.  How many opportunities to help the poor have we passed by because 'their own actions got them in that mess'.  Is poor in mind-set any less needy than poor in finances?

The truth is, it is hard for us to love.  Love requires that we put our wants on the back burner. We have to humble ourselves to love, and we have to risk rejection.  Humility does not come easily to us and rejection hurts.  I know the voices in my head are often telling me why I shouldn't love  -- that person doesn't deserve anything after the way they've treated me, that person brought their life situation on themselves; Wendy, you're just doing good to gain favor, reward, or blessing!  

Don't those all sound like accusations?  And guess who our accuser is?  Satan is the great accuser -- and all too often we allow him to convince us that those lousy accusations are truth.

Love is (being) patient, (being) kind, (being) long-suffering and love doesn't demand its own way.   Opportunities abound everyday to listen to His voice - and obey His command, instead of paying heed to the accuser!

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