The Power of Love

I'm up waaaaaay past my bedtime, but there is something floating through my mind. It is a thought I have previously not entertained to its full extent. I find myself in an incredibly satisfying situation of love; it is so fulfilling to choose and live in a position of love toward people. I had a wonderful evening tonight catching up with great friends who have both recently been through some really rough life transitions. There was quite a fall-out that occured because of some choices that were made, and Benjie and I have chosen the path of love. Not the path of bitterness, anger, or judgement but the narrower more sticky and prickly path of openness, acceptance, and joy. And because of that, my heart is so full.

I have not thought on the fact that Jesus loved so many who were enemies to each other. He extended grace to so many whom society had "written off" and who had made mistake after mistake after mistake in their lives. He would love a Jewish person and then turn around and extend love to a Samaritan person. He would love a tax collector and turn around and love a poverty-stricken beggar on the street. He was always loving people who seemed to be in conflict with one another. But you know what? People trusted him! People from both sides of life trusted him. His open affection and friendship appealed to people born into all areas of society; born into all different social "castes".

That is what love does, though. It makes clear the pathway that was once blocked to people of different culture, race, religion, and social class. It settles the score of human worth. Love proves that each person, regardless of their past or present sin, has infinite value, beauty and worth. Love restores identity and character. Love heals. The fragility of the human race can be strengthened significantly if not completely by a choice to love our hurting brother and sister right next to us. Period.

And I feel that I have been healed of some misconceptions and pride just tonight as I yielded to the gentle, consistent invitation to open my heart and love another.