Nougat 29

Hi

We talk about worshiping in spirit and in truth; but can we love in truth? Here’s today’s Holy Nougat

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wow! That’s a tough one. I believe that it’s far easier to receive than to give love. Even when we’re not using Christ’s yard-stick. We can’t presume to love as Jesus does and turn our feelings on and off as we please. Love is a full-time occupation that demands and commands ongoing engagement and attention.

Moreover, whether we do it consciously or not, Loving others is a decision we make – sometimes daily. It’s interesting that even in marriage vows, well the traditional one at least, the vow or promise comprises actions. And while they may seem light and fluffy, sticking around anyone – be it spouse or friend – through sickness, poverty or anything like that is not easy at all.

And that’s just wedding-vow love. Which reminds me, what happens when there’s a drastic shift in the person we love? – I mean when they’ve undergone substantial transformation physically, emotionally and mentally? One songwriter puts it quite appropriately, ’Will you still love me tomorrow?’

Do we still love when the other’s actions tear us up, physically or on the inside and what does loving in deed mean then? For when the love is unrequited or somehow becomes toxic, it may be safer to love from a distance! (And yes, I do believe that Jesus would have us love some people from a distance!) Our actions may be more about helping them be less of a threat to others and also preserving the lives of those around them. Sometimes that’s what love looks like – just as we’d help a child we love learn how to share or even be sociable.

Sometimes love is seeking Justice for the ‘outcast’, the one who needs it but has been sidelined. Sometimes love is seeing from another perspective, or being willing to be affiliated with the marginalized. Yes, Jesus definitely demonstrated that kind of love. It may be about forgiving people or even denying ourselves. But it isn’t about manipulating; rather it is about choosing to affirm their divinity (the part reflecting God’s likeness) amidst their humanity. Can we live in truth?

—

May all we seek be found in Christ