What Does God Love?نموونە

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL 

Sometimes when I encourage people to walk in love, isn’t always well-received. Somehow, as soon as I say, “Walk in love”—either from the pulpit or across a counseling desk, or even to a friend—people get a distasteful look on their face, kind of like they just ate a lemon.

Let’s be real—we struggle with walking in love, especially if we feel hurt, angry, or taken advantage of. I think maybe we think, “If I walk in love with them, they’re going to get their way and I’m not going to get mine.” 

We can identify with Peter in Matthew 18:21 who said to Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Peter was using all his faith here—he thought forgiving seven times sounded pretty spiritual!

Imagine his surprise when Jesus answered, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:22). That sounded impossible to Peter! And I don’t even think Jesus meant that once you’d forgiven someone 490 times, it was okay to hold a grudge. I think He was saying, “Every time, Peter.”

Why would Jesus set such a high mark that seems almost impossible? Because He knows that forgiveness is freedom. He knows that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die—it eats us alive. It’s bondage. (You can read more about how to walk in forgiveness in my book I Forgive You, But….)

Peter was probably thinking, “No way, Lord.” Just like most of the people think when I talk to them about walking in love. Let’s face it—it’s not humanly possible to forgive or walk in love at that level.

And here’s the thing: he was right. It isn’t humanly possible. But with God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). He put His love in our heart so we can walk in His love. We just need to yield to it – to choose love instead of anger, fear, or resentment. 

When you know God’s heart for people and how He has put His love inside you, then you can tap into His power to love even the toughest person.

Was this plan helpful to you? It was adapted from my book “Closer Than You Ever Imagined: Experiencing the Deep Relationship With God You Always Wanted.” You can read the first part here.