Why Is It So Difficult to Love Others?

Each person eventually comes up against the cutting edge of adversity. I recently read these provoking words: “The problems of living are always centered on reconciling opposites.” Problems surface as a result of personality clashes or differences in experiences, values, or opinions.

Reinhold Niebuhr presents this truth: “The real problem…lies in the fact that we ought to love one another, but we do not.” Loving one another demands that we look deep into ourselves and to the Lord God to find solutions to problems each person can appreciate and accept.

Problems unaddressed are like a splinter broken off under the skin. The constant throbbing torments the body, mind, and spirit. Perhaps it’s time to ask the Lord Jesus Christ, “What do I need to address within myself that prevents me from loving others?” Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, ‘Love one another as much as I have loved you.’” Being closer to God requires submitting to Jesus’ command. 

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But it really is a new commandment, and you know its true meaning, just as Christ does. You can see the darkness fading away and the true light already shining. If we claim to be  in the light and hate someone, we are still in the dark. But if we love others, we are in the light, and we don’t cause problems for them.

~1 John 2:8-10 Contemporary English Version

 

The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them, from all their troubles. 

~Psalm 34:17 Good News Bible

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Surrendering to the Savior

CONTROL is an issue every individual and family is forced to address. Control is sought directly, indirectly, passively or aggressively, and could involve a combination of any of these. This very day gang wars are fought to control a turf in our cities. Most control disputes are settled either by surrender and defeat or through negotiations.

The struggle for control in families can literally be a bridge to destruction. Control by harsh, demanding threats or physical abuse is usually a shallow victory that only reflects momentary compliance. Respect, honor and legitimate submissiveness are lost because the controller is no longer seen as trustworthy.

Control and healthy boundaries are a necessity in every social situation because of the need to establish order. However, honor and respect for others is the bridge for diminishing unnecessary control. God’s Word tells you to love one another, to be kind and gentle for this builds a bridge to healthy order in any relationship. 

A Debt of Liberty

Before the American Revolutionary War began, American patriot Patrick Henry in 1775 challenged the colonists to take up arms and fight the British with these words: “I know not what course other men may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry knew that courage and action were the bridge to liberty.

          You and I may be forced to fight tyranny perpetrated by others in some way, but our freedom can be diminished by selfish indebtedness. Listen to God’s word from Romans 13:8 speak out against all forms of indebtedness except one. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”

          Isn’t it interesting how one form of debt, “to love one another”, is the bridge to liberty? God’s Word continues, “for he who loves his fellowman fulfills the law.” In our society it is almost impossible to remain free of debt. It takes courage to stand against senseless indebtedness, but it’s the road to freedom.