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Knowing Yet Loving

Knowing Yet Loving

By: Juliet Constantine



For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
 

Will you still love me tomorrow? The words of a once popular song filled my mind as I reflected on a critical ingredient that is missing from most marriages. Loving your spouse unconditionally is a vital lesson that can only be taught by God through His Holy Spirit.

You see, the vow in marriages seems to be rewritten to read, ‘until I find fault’ and not ‘till death do us part’. It is so easy to love somebody as long as they are compliant with our wishes and demand: as long as they display the right behavior and are faithful to their vows and obligations in the home. It is easy to love when all is going well.

But what is our response when things change? How do I treat my spouse when things are not going the way I thought they should? In many instances, the ‘an eye for an eye’ response is so acceptable! Revenge fills our hearts and the only goal is to get even. Getting even, meaning hurting the other as I was hurt is a common response. This type of behavior not only affects our homes, but can be found in our churches, in our schools, and yes, in our workplaces. It is found wherever a relationship exists. We seem incapable to still love after knowing.

God loved us when we were alienated from Him. He loved us when we were good, when we do the things we should. He loved us when we were bad, even though it makes Him sad. God loves us unconditionally. He knew us, yet He loved us! No one is always good, yet that does not change the way He feels about us. He does not employ the ‘an eye for an eye’ method of exerting revenge. No, He does not revenge, but in loving kindness He draws us to Himself. He loves unconditionally. We are called to emulate Him even in knowing, yet loving.

It was certainly Jesus’ intention for us to emulate God in loving unconditionally. He said we are to love our enemies; bless those who curse us; do good to those who hate us; and pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us. We are to bless and curse not. It’s not easy but with God’s help it is possible.

Our Heavenly Father, You are Father to us all and You loved us all. Please Father, teach us to love each other as You loved us; in spite of the weaknesses we see, teach us to look beyond the fault and see the need. Grant us the strength to allow You to love our spouse, our children, our coworkers and everyone through us, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.


Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)

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