I'm Going to Love You Whether You Like it or Not!

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."~I Corinthians 13:7 NLT

Have you ever known someone that for whatever reason doesn't see or feel worth? Did this verse from I Corinthians that says to never give up on love somehow become just another line in a book that is placed on the shelf? How can a person not feel worthy of being loved? It happens more than one may think. The reasons are endless in this society filled with expectations and stamps of "pass and fail" throughout life. Did they at some point give up the hope of ever being loved? 

I Corinthians 13 is often used in wedding readings because it focuses on the importance of faith, love, and hope for the relationship to thrive and endure life's challenges. It's a chapter that is a "feel good" chapter of the Bible. And, what could be a better scripture reading for a wedding? Don't we hope and pray that all newlyweds will celebrate one anniversary after another filled with smiles?  

Parents also know the depth of this chapter of the Bible. When a child is born, they find within themselves strengths to do things they never thought possible. They will stand up and advocate for their child in all circumstances. Nothing is out of the question to solve a problem. Love is a powerful tool! 

In those dark moments when turmoil erupts in relationships it's easy to edge back to the negative and forget all about I Corinthians 13. We want to reflect back to wars of the Old Testament and share our own reasoning for the battle we are facing and the battlefield we have entrenched. But, Jesus came to teach us a new way to solve problems. In my own understanding, paraphrasing I could almost hear Jesus say, "I'm going to love you whether you like it or not! And, I want you to do the same to others."

Each day we make the "decision to love", whether the person likes it or not. Because of this decision that we have control over, our heart grows larger, our souls are fed, and walls of discord come down one brick at a time. It's not an easy task because the mortar between the bricks hangs on. And let's face the reality that some people are very difficult to love. Let's stand up and be advocates for I Corinthians 13 and never give up on faith, hope, and love. If we truly want to follow Jesus, maybe our job is to love others whether they like it or not.  And maybe, just maybe, Jesus will look deep inside us, and say, "Today you got it right. Good job!"

Let us pray . . .

Heavenly Father,

Help us each day to choose faith, hope, and love. Give us the strength to calm our tempers, misguided thoughts, judgments, and inappropriate conclusions. Fill our hearts with a love that reflects your love for each of us as we love others whether they like it or not.

Amen.