Finding the Strength to Love in Challenging Situations
- Chad Dupin
- Aug 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Hey guys, do you ever struggle to show love to certain people or situations? Some might refer to these situations or people as requiring an “EGN” perspective (Extra Grace Necessary) 😉. As we have been reading through Thessalonians, Paul has some wise advice on the topic:
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12
We reflected on this topic, trying to get to the “core” of it. Why is it so challenging to show love in return when someone offends us, betrays us, lies or is simply a jerk?
It seems like it is in our DNA and, from a worldly perspective, might be considered common sense. But what’s at the heart of it? When we thought deeper on the topic, we kept returning to our EGO. We were right anyway, weren’t we? I can’t believe they lied or said those things about me. Or if they are going to treat me that way, I will treat them that way in return. An eye for an eye, right? NOPE!
No surprise, Jesus had some great insight on the topic as well for the Sadducees and the Pharisees in the book of Matthew:
“Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and will all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Guys, we get it. We aren’t always the best at the softer side of loving others. We need to show strength, right? Standing our ground, getting the edge, winning the GAME! But what carries with us into eternity when it is all said and done?
Can we imagine that person someday in heaven coming up to us and saying how much it changed their thinking when we showed love in response to their attack? Maybe even leading them to a closer relationship with Christ?
Guys, this is tough stuff. It’s a competitive world out there. Often, we have things coming at us from all directions. We are usually tired, stressed, lack time, and have too many things to do. We get it!
But let’s all take a second. Close your eyes and take a breath. Picture Jesus on the cross. Enduring pain, suffering, humiliation. FOR US! He didn’t have to do that. We are sinners, and he isn’t. WE are the GUY in the wrong. Yet Jesus went to the cross and showed us a LOVE greater than anything we can imagine.
We are praying this morning with a grateful heart for the sacrifice Jesus made for each one of us. I am praying for each of you guys this morning that during this week, as we encounter difficult people and circumstances, we will remember that sacrifice and have a full bucket of love to pour out on others.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16
Have a great week, Men!
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