Controversial Idea (NOT)

 

2/25/2023

1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us. “

So, I am going to put forward an idea that may shock some of you, but if you are a believer, you will get it right away. I propose that we stop using the words “tolerate” and “accept” to view other people and replace those words simply with “love”. Now, we can’t cancel those words and strike them from our language, as they both are very useful. I can accept a package or a gift. I can accept paperwork or a favor, etc. In my husband’s line of work, tolerances are very important for keeping aircraft flying. It is also an important word for knowing if a person's body can handle a certain drug or procedure. It even has environmental uses. Both of these words are very important, but can we stop directing them at people?

I suggest, and it is actually Biblical, that we replace these words with a simple four letter one: love. Jesus certainly never told us to tolerate or even accept our neighbor, He told us to love them. We are even told in the Bible to love our enemies. So why do we keep using these words that divide us? Isn’t it much better to feel loved than to be just tolerated or acceptable? Heck, getting a B on your report card is acceptable, but it isn’t most people’s ultimate goal.

Most people’s ambition is to love those around them, but loving those we do not agree with is infinitely harder. Yet we are called to do so. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This verse has the word “love” in it four times. Do you think Jesus was trying to get a point across?

It is true that we often fear what we don’t know or understand, but the Bible tells us not to fear 365 times. Again, I think that a point is trying to get through. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” Can’t we equate a lot of the divisiveness and hatred that is happening today to fear? Fear of difference, fear of being judged (or worse) is rampant today. Many voices are shouting, especially on social media and media of every kind, and we can all find screaming voices that side with our own thoughts and feelings. Where, I ask, is the love?

1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse really hits deep. If we are connected to the Creator and following the teachings of our precious Savior, Jesus, how can we not do anything but love others? After all, He has forgiven and loves me even in my frailty and continuing sin. How, then, can I do any less?

Join me, dear ones, in starting a love revolution. Let us share the love of God with all those we meet. Let us ALWAYS lead with love.