Do You Love At Full Strength?

Sometimes, it is so hard to love others.

Last weekend, my son Sam got me so frustrated and angry that I considered putting a “free to good home” sign around his neck and sitting him on the sidewalk… in another county.

Hear my heart here… I love this kid to the moon and back.  He’s my kid with the heart bigger than Texas.  He is easily the nicest person in our family and God has big plans for Sam… but the kid has the ability to send me through the roof in a matter of seconds.

But you know what I realize?  Of all the moms in the world… God gave Sam to me.

He knew that I was the best, most qualified mother for His precious child.  God knew that I possessed the skills, compassion, capacity to love and life experiences that would be best for Sam.

It was a calculated move by the Creator.

God is trusting me with him, knowing that Sam needs me to be a consistent force of love and support even when I am driven to insanity by his antics.  Sam… sweet Sam… needs me to love him at full strength.

So does God.

1 Peter 4:8 says “Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (HCS)

Friends… you are called to the same kind of love.  I wonder, who do you need to love at full strength?

• A child who pushes every button you have?
• A spouse who is dismissive?
• A friend who betrays your trust?
  
• A co-worker who throws you under the bus?
• A parent who cuts you down at every turn?

Even when those we love and respect treat us badly or misbehave.  No matter when our feelings get hurt or we feel humiliated.  We need to fully love them.  That begs the question… Just how do we do that?  

1. You ask God for the ability
2. You forgive offenses
3. You work to maintain peace and harmony
4. You pray for them
5. You continue to love… no matter what.

“Lord, give us the ability to love others at full strength.  When we get frustrated and angry and want to unleash our wrath… help us love.  When we feel betrayed and dismissed… help us love.  When we are weary in the fight and want to retreat into ourselves rather than stand for others… help us love.  Fill us with more of You.  Give us the ability to do what You’ve asked of us.  We want to love like You love… help us.”  Amen.

Friends… whenever possible… love at full strength.

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