Basis Of Choice!

The question has sometimes been asked, “What has love got to do with it?” The reality is that love should have much to do with about almost everything in life. However, what is love to us? Is it a verb or merely a feeling? Is it a choice or just a reaction or response to the way others are? Many focus on and make their choices based on the feeling of love. If the feeling is not there, then neither is the love. But aren’t the feelings the fruit of the verb to BE LOVING? The choice to love can be made in spite of the feelings (i.e. Matthew 5:44) and that choice can provide the basis on which the feelings could actually begin to develop. The reality in this world is that too many begin at the wrong place. If we get this backwards and base our choices merely on our feelings rather than a determination to BE LOVING, we will have missed what being a disciple of Jesus is all about.

Take to heart the manner in which Jesus addressed our choice to BE LOVING.

“(43) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I say to you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES and PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU, (45) so that you may BE SONS OF YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (47) And if you greet only your brothers, WHAT MORE ARE YOU DOING THAN OTHERS? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? (48) You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ( Matthew 5:43-48 ESV)

Is loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us going to be the outgrowth of some natural feeling drawing us to them? Is not the natural tendency either to draw away or to retaliate? To BE LOVING is the choice we make BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE rather than who others are or what they might have done. This is the love exemplified as Jesus walked this earth. It is also the love God has displayed through the providing of His gracious blessings ( Matthew 5:45), including the forgiveness and salvation we do not deserve. May the genuineness of being children of the Father be exhibited through our choice to love as He has loved.

Have a great day KEEPING LOVE’S FOUNDATION IN PLACE!
Carl

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