I know that that sounds like a Country and Western song title, but bear with me.
One of the downsides of life is to watch relationships deteriorate. Sometimes it’s because of words or deeds that are not forgiven, or a realization that you really didn’t have much in common anyway.
One of the early signs of a failing relationship is the fall in one’s popularity.
When somebody likes you, it is not uncommon for them to agree with all you say, and to speak only kind words about you. But when, for reasons known or unknown, they don’t like you anymore, it is not uncommon for them to disagree with all you say, and to speak only unkind words about you.
In other words: “They love you till they don’t.”
What the old preachers used to say will always be true: “Those who cried out to Jesus, ‘Hosanna in the Highest,’ later cried, ‘Crucify him!’” (Mark 11:10; 15:14).
Who are we to expect better?
Instead, like our Saviour, we look past the fickle nature of man and look to the welfare of his soul. We praise God that He doesn’t judge our worthiness to be in His presence according to our day’s words and deeds. Most of us would be excused before Morning Tea. So, should we be less forgiving of each other?
Overcoming the tendency to love others only for as long as they love us takes divine intervention. The Sword of the Spirit must pierce our own hearts before we attempt to use it to pierce the hearts of others. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit grows in a life yielded to His leading. Walk and pray in the Spirit and you will bring to all relationships: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
We love…even if they don’t!
John Staiger
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