I have heard the phrase “I love you, but I don’t like you right now” many times in my life. When uttered, it is usually stated between friends or partners as a way to demonstrate their ongoing frustration. This situation is often passive or tense and tends to drag on indefinitely for some time before one party or the other decides to end the quarrel.
Is this how God calls us to conduct ourselves within the relationships He has given us? What about strangers or acquaintances, are they due the same treatment and respect as those we call our friends? In many places throughout Scripture, we are called to love one another (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1 John 4:7). This love is to be a transcending bond over all divisions (Galatians 3:26-28) because we are one in Christ (Romans 12:4,5). So does disagreement or frustration give us the ability not to resolve things with that person that we love?
Sometimes, it is appropriate to take a break from the situation to clear your head and better approach the person, but this should always end with a conversation and attempts to make things right (Ephesians 4:26).
In 1st Corinthians 13, Paul outlines the definition of love in its deepest and purest forms. Love is enduring, kind, not greedy or prideful, rejoices in truth, hopes, and believes all things, and never gives up. Often used at weddings, this passage was originally written to a group of Christians in Corinth who were coming out of an idolatrous and self-centered culture. These Christians needed to know that love should be the basis for all their actions, not just a default feeling under certain conditions. Love is not meant just for the people who love us back, or for times when we are not in conflict with someone. Love governs how we respond, where our priorities lie, and how we move forward despite circumstances. How we approach people when we do not feel “love” toward them is where God’s commandments on love begin (Matthew 5:43-48).
How we handle ourselves, both with friends and with strangers, is very important. We are KNOWN as Christians by our love for each other. Love doesn’t mean withholding doing or saying something, but still harboring frustration or anger because we feel wronged. It means continuing to serve and encourage them despite current differences (Romans 14:19). It means being willing to call out a brother or sister when they need it, and trusting they love you enough to see your perspective (Galatians 6:1-2; Matthew 18:15-20). Love puts others above itself. That may mean setting aside our discomfort and fear to approach someone in sin. It may mean giving space to someone not ready to hear what we have to say. Love never gives up.
Friends are a wonderful blessing from the Lord, although relationships are seldom smooth sailing forever. Regardless of our relationship with someone, we should always try to approach them in genuine love. Encouraging people, complementing them, genuinely asking about how things are or remembering details about them goes such a long way for people. These same behaviors work regardless of your relationship with that person.
My challenge to you, go out this week and genuinely show love to those around you. Someone you call close, someone you don’t know yet, and even that roommate that is getting on your nerves a little too much this week. God died for ALL of them, and values them equally.
My hobbies include crafting, cooking/grilling, and hiking. Spending time with my friends is my favorite way to do anything. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6-8. It reminds me that God's peace is always greater if I so seek it. I can't wait to see what all good comes from Beyond The Foam!
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Welcome! We are so glad you stopped by. Come Fill Your Cup is a group of Christian ladies dedicated to equipping women for study and service. We know you are busy and that life’s hectic pace pulls you in so many directions, but you can’t truly be the woman God desires unless you take time to fill your own cup…not with spa days (though we love a good spa!) or the latest novel…but with God’s Holy Word. We want to help you with that! Our goal is to reach you in the midst of your busy day and give you encouragement, education, and fellowship as you strive to live the life God has laid before you. Our prayer is that we can help fill your cup so that you, in turn, can overflow to all those around you. So, as we like to say…come fill your cup, and let it overflow!
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