We see it on television and in the movies, but what about when it happens in real life? A husband says to his wife, “I don’t love you anymore.” A child says to his father, “I hate you!” A family member says, “I don’t ever want to see you again.”
Rejection is painful. Our flesh wants to lash out. To retaliate. Why should we love those who refuse to love us back?
Because love is not just a feeling, it’s a choice.
When we become a child of God, He places His very own love inside us. God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. That love is not selfish, immature, or changeable.
The Word for You Today explains it like this:
Agape (God’s love) is an unconditional commitment to love that’s rooted in an unchanging decision. It always gives and doesn’t change whether the love is returned or not. It’s a decision of your heart to seek the other person’s highest good, no matter how they may respond.
The Bible says God is love. He loves us so much that He gave the best He had to give—Jesus. That love is unconditional and eternal. He loved us when we were wallowing in our sins and did not return that love.
As we learn to live and move and have our being in God, our love grows more perfect. We become more selfless and more concerned about those around us. He enables us to walk in love toward others, even when they hurt us and don’t return that love. That’s what makes a follower of Christ stand out from the world so they can point others to the cross.
Love never fails. Never.
Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and former associate editor with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Iron Stream Media. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript: Writing and Editing Tips to Keep Your Book Out of the Editorial Graveyard, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues and teaches workshops on writing and editing. You’re invited to subscribe to her weekly devotions at www.AndreaMerrell.com or visit www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers and editors.