Loving Through the Tough Times

“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:22-23

Let’s be honest - it is difficult to love someone who has hurt us deeply. We should expect a struggle. We should anticipate a whirlwind of emotions. But our wrestlings do not negate God’s command to “love one another from the heart.”

As strenuous as it is, loving others is far superior to the alternative - bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred, jealousy. These are poisonous emotions that corrode our spirit, mind and soul, infecting us with their toxic wastefulness.

Jesus certainly understood this. He was constantly on the end of false accusations, abuse, and animosity while He ministered in the flesh. Yet we read that “while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23).

We can love others who grieve us as we see their actions allowed by the providence of God. Whatever another has done to wound you has been permitted by God. Their actions may have been distasteful, injurious, and perhaps even violent; but if you entrust your circumstances to Christ, He will do what is just and right. Judgement is His, not yours.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God...”
1 John 4:7