Have you noticed that no matter how long you’ve been saved, walking in love never becomes easy? Just as we overcome one level of aggravation, life throws us a more intense level of trying irritation!

Despite our level of leadership, or years of being a Christian, many of us have secretly asked:

"Why can’t I have a more consistent love walk?"

"Why do I keep struggling with being offended, annoyed, and frustrated by people?"

"Why can’t I act like a real Christian?"

The Word of God teaches us, however, that even though we are Christians and love the Lord, loving other people will never come naturally to us. Rather, we must "put on love." Just as clothes conceal our physical nakedness, love covers the limitations of our natural temperament. Colossians 3:12-14 instructs,

"...dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered...quick to forgive an offense...And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it" (MSG).

Nothing powerful comes easily. In life, we have to pursue – and fight for – the things that have the most value. We often struggle with love because love has far-reaching power. It can win or turn away hearts. It can build or sabotage influence. As a result, our spiritual enemy will do anything – and everything – to keep us from using it.

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most respected Hindu leaders, greatly admired Jesus. In fact, throughout his teachings, Gandhi often quoted from the Sermon on the Mount. Once when the missionary E. Stanley Jones met with Gandhi he asked, "Mr. Gandhi, though you quote the words of Christ often, why is that you appear to so adamantly reject becoming his follower?" Gandhi replied,

"Oh, I don't reject your Christ. I love your Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Our cry:
Lord, thank you for reminding me that nothing powerful comes easily. Although it may be difficult at times, give me the strength and determination to pursue love – and fight for it. Just as clothes conceal my physical nakedness, I will use love to cover the limitations of my natural temperament. Teach me how to "put on" the "basic, all-purpose garment" that has the power to win or turn away hearts – build or sabotage influence.

For I am Your handmaiden. I am Your servant.

Recommended reading:
Colossians 3:12-14, Message Bible Translation
1 Corinthians 13, Amplified Translation

Marsha DuCille
Publisher/Editorial Director
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