It’s true. We are messy. Even with the ‘best of intentions’ we are messy. I really don’t think this is a great revelation to the Lord – but He chose to save us anyway. And that’s what we need to focus on. Related to this is a question about how can we love like God? Not sure this is attainable but I’m totally convinced that this is a journey we all need to be on. He modeled this for us so we’d have a standard. IF we are doing all we can to grow in love, which is always demonstrable not just words, and act on our understanding – I think that is all He requires.
But is it really as simple as it seems? Depends on what you look at. For example: do we have the ability to love like God? Yes… because we have been born of Him. 1 John 4:
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he
who is in the world.” (v. 4)
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows
God.” (v. 7)
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (v. 19)
Those are only a few verses that tell us that we have been born of God and God is love. Thus, we have this ability to love in us.
If you aren’t convinced that, though you have the ability to love, you are required to love. You are.
he who loves God must love his brother also.” (v. 21)
This is only one scripture that affirms our love responsibility. The point is that in our walk, we must accept and act on this commandment. It doesn’t always mean that our love is reciprocated, that’s not the point.
Love is always an act. People tend to be messy. Actually, you also are messy but God decided you were worth the effort and so He sent Jesus to provide a way back into relationship. This is true for your brother as well, whether or not he accepts the gift Jesus brings. Our ‘job’ is to be His hand of love to others. It is always their choice to accept this, but we still must be an extension of love.
