Jesus said, "Love one another even as I first loved you." (John 15:12).
This is a key tenet of the Christian faith. Jesus first loved us even when we were entirely unlovable, even repulsive. Yet He loved us and died for us that we may live eternally. In like manner we are to love one another.
This is not easy to do..But it is a basic Christian standard for which we are to strive.
Speaking the hard truth is not tantamount to hate. Jesus taught us to "speak the truth in love." The truth can be harsh but must be said. This does not mean we are to betray confidences or unleash factual statements willy nillly when it is more appropriate to remain silent.Wisdom comes into play here.
Regarding my statements concerning certain politicians, I may be quite harsh in telling the truth. This does not mean I don;t love them personally and stand ready to help them if they want my help. If I were given the opportunity to meet privately with Hillary and Bill and even the Obamas, I would show hospitality and the willingness to help.This does not mean that I refuse to speak hard truths in love.
We can love the ones we have deep differences with while speaking the hard truth.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
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12 comments:
Again, well said. Christ does indeed admonish us to love one another, and yes, it is often hard to do. It is also often hard to pray for those who despise and misuse us. But we must, and in all sincerity. I pray, for instance for the Chaldean Christians, but I also pray for their Muslim neighbors who are persecuting them. At first it was hard, but it becomes more loving as one does it night after night.
It is unfortunate that English has only one word for the many forms of love we feel. There is romantic love, their is respectful love, their is filial love, the love a parent feels for his or her children, and vice versa. I often liken God's love for us as being like the parent's love for his children, but of course, that does not begin to cover it.
As you point out, loving someone sometimes means you must administer tough love, and it hurts both parties, the one receiving the tough love, and the one giving it.
Wade
Good point, brother. I always appeciate and respect your wisdom.
An outstanding post. You have honored truth and in so doing you have honored Jesus.
Thank you kindly my friend.
Thanks for posting your blogs its so wonderful and i really like it. i reaaly learn a lot from your blogs.
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As the saying goes, "People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos, is because things are being loved and people are being used"
This very meaning message. I hope the will read and understand this. Thanks for the message.
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I really love that verse too :(
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this is what we need right now love and helping each other in times like this
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when there is love there is also peace.
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Love one another is all we need right now. Love is everything. this inspiring
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