Oh, friend, how much I love you as a companion in Christ! I love others as well, and so too must you. Take joy in those you love. But remember, where it is easy to love the loveable, it is more righteous to love the difficult to love. True love is more than tender feelings and emotional rewards; it is a decision. Yes, it is a decision to love even when it is difficult to do so. You should make up your mind to love regardless of your feelings. Only then can your love become greater for another than it is for yourself. Above all, love God no matter what you must endure in the world. The knowledge that God loves you beyond measure and does so unconditionally should compel you to go into the world to love others in the same way.
Take great care not to befriend only those who are advantageous to you. Christ died not only for his friends but his enemies as well because he loved them so much. By loving all others, you continue Christ’s work of sharing grace and the hope of everlasting life. By loving all others, it is easy to pray that everyone would know Jesus and be bound for Heaven. Remember, Jesus dined with and cared for the outcast instead of limiting himself only to the company of great men. You should do the same.
You cannot profess to follow Christ unless you love all those for whom Christ died. We were instructed to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Love others so well that there will be kindness and mutual acts of service between you. You may commit acts of charity and kindness, but unless your acts are motivated by love, your good deeds mean nothing in the eyes of the Lord. It is in your love for your neighbor that you continue Christ’s work of spreading the hope of salvation and everlasting life. All relationships are made perfect if filled with love but are worthless without it. Love everyone without hesitation, all for God’s greater glory, and much love will be returned to you.
God willing, one day, you may be a parent. Unreasonable scolding, hurtful language, or cruel punishment brings about resentment in children, making you ineffective in the Christian training of children. Love them as Jesus loved them — with patience, kindness, protection, trust, and hope, always keeping them from becoming discouraged. This is the way in which your Lord loves you; follow his example. Treat the little ones with generous love.
Lastly, Christ suffered the punishment of our sins so that we might be reconciled with God. All he asks in return is that we obey the new law: to love one another. Love is compassionate and kind, not harmful. Don’t let the fact that you were treated wrongly cause you to commit another wrong. Instead, overcome evil with love, mercy, and restraint. May you always love with abandon, for you will always be loved in never-ending abundance. Amen.
