Love That Hurts

Have you ever loved someone to the point that it hurts? Have you ever loved someone who doesn’t return the love to you in the same way to the point it hurts? That is the true test of love.

Whenever I discipline kids at the orphanage I have to communicate to them that I discipline them because I love them. I have the hard conversations with them because I love them. I choose to not avoid them or leave them even when they are really difficult because I love them. I choose to give them the same smiles, love, and attention regardless of whether they are in a good mood or not. This is a love that can be painful. It’s a genuine love.

Jesus modeled the Father’s love as clearly as possible to us when He was on earth, and He never shied away from enduring disappointment, rejection, or pain on behalf of those He loved. His love wasn’t petty. His love wasn’t conditional. His love endured, through everything!

Now and then I have to catch myself as I serve the kids at the orphanage. If one of them were to leave or something were to happen to him or her, how much would I care? How would I react? Whenever I feel like my response wouldn’t be that strong, I have to ask God for more of His heart for the kids. I don’t want to give my kids cheap love. I want the love to be rich, and the only way for it to be rich is if it is flowing out of God’s heart. For that love to flow powerfully I have to let down all the walls in my heart (insecurities, selfishness, fears of sudden change) and love the kids like there is no tomorrow. I don’t want any regrets. And I know there won’t be any if I’m truly loving out of the heart of God.

Make sure to include in your prayers as often as you can, “God, give me your heart. I want to know your heart!” Connecting with Him will make your life complete, and will unleash a power around you that you never knew you could possess. You will endure pain as you learn His love, but in those moments you will also experience a deep intimacy that you never had before. His love is completely worth it!

 

***I recently preached a message at my church called, “Mature Love” that went deeper into this. You can find it here or on iTunes under New Philadelphia Church.