It's Black and White
Donnie Floyd
Gulf War veteran, Ex-Cop, NASCAR Race Team Crew Member †
Love, that word that seems so easy to do sometimes and yet so hard other times. Part of being a Christian is loving others. Unfortunately, it's not the easiest thing to do at times. God commands us to love Him and love one another. These are His two greatest commandments. He showed us this love by sending His son to die for us. So why is love so hard sometimes?
Probably the biggest reason love is so hard is our own sinful nature gets in the way. It's very easy to love my wife, my kids and my family, specially when they share a common set of values and beliefs. However, it's very difficult to love at times those who do not share those same beliefs and values. Where this is most difficult is when those around you are filled with unrighteousness and you are trying to be filled with righteousness.
Sometimes loving the unloveable does not seem right. Often there are times when we are unlovable ourselves. Yet, this is what God commands us to do. Is it easy, no! Can it be hurtful, yes! Does it take time, yes! Does this mean that you have to befriend everyone and hang out with the unlovable, no! Is it worth a shot, yes!
So as Christians we need to always remember who we were before we surrendered our lives to Christ. So what do we do with the most wicked of souls? Although we love them, we don't love them to the point of becoming them. The Bible say's, "Bad company corrupts good character." Love does not mean that we over look what God has called us to obey. Love does not mean that we look the other way when confronted with sin. Love is not such a command that we now need to get rid of the Bible and it's further teachings. Love does not mean that you must become tolerant of everything. No where in scripture does it say "except everything." Love at times can be in the form of a rebuke or in a way that protects someone. Love can be standing up for what is right. God has given us the ability to discern the minds others. In that process there may come a time when loving someone may not seem loving to others.
Ultimately
Love does not save us, Jesus saves us and that is love. Love is the result of being saved.
So as Christians we are to loves others. While that is very difficult at times, it's very possible with the help of the Holy Spirit and through the process of sanctification. It is through this process that we become more like Christ!
Please watch this 2 minute video on Love!
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7P6GPGNX