Loving the unlovable

Written by Alfred Ofori Agyemang.

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Matt. 5:46-48

Everyone knows that the most natural, effortless, and agreeable function of human nature is the enjoyment of experiences that feel good. Because of this, we all want to follow individuals who love us and make us feel good. Some even say “love goes to where love is”. Most people pursue a way of life that is chiefly concerned with fame, fun, pleasure, and power because they think they lead us to love more. Sometimes, as we communicate and interact with other people, it is easy to confuse pleasurable social contact with love.

Now, all we see and hear around are “back to sender or enemy” messages in some homes, churches and in the media. Many people including Christians are seriously looking for their “enemies” to punish and humiliate them. Many are having broken homes because marriage partners see each other as not lovable. How does it feel to attempt to love someone who does not love you? It is a very difficult job to do. Only in Christ, God has taught us the truth about love, and it is the truth about Himself.

Love loves the unlovable and the unlovely, unconditionally. Love is committed, without qualification or exception, to the ultimate happiness, well-being, peace, joy, help, service, stability, and growth of the loved one(s). Truly, “love never fails.” It is we who fail. Love is not measured by degree as if God had more for some than for others. Love’s only limitations are in the capacities of our own hearts, first to freely receive, and then to freely give. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matt. 5:46-48. If we offer to others of the riches of God’s love massively, forgetful of the outcome for ourselves, much more is reaped than sown.

We should love even as Christ loved us when we were so much engulfed in sin. We were never pleasant to look at in the sight of God and not lovable in any measure. If we believe in “Love” (as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ), we will practice “love.” We obtain much reward by following Christ’s examples than our own perceptions. Christ loved us much and has forgiven us of our sins. Let’s do likewise to our neighbours (lovable and unlovable ones).

Brethren in Christ, we demonstrate Christianity to the world by loving the unlovable people around us. That is the most powerful message we can give the world. Actions speak better than words.

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