A Labor of Love

Paul uses a unique phrase in his letters: "your labor of love." We often forget that love is hard work. There is nothing easy about it. It requires all our energy, focus, and determination. Loving others doesn't come naturally in any sense of the word. Why? Because we have a tendency to see all the faults and inconsistencies in the one to be loved; consequently, we convince ourselves that they don't deserve it. They are not worth the effort.

I mean:
"They never take us into consideration when they make choices--designed to please themselves."
"They never say "thank you" for all the acts of love I show them."
"They never tell me "I love you" in words, let alone actions."
"They never think of my needs, only their wants."
"They are always busy doing the things they enjoy, never thinking of the things they could do that would bring me joy and show they care."
"They don't listen to me."
"They don't talk to me."
"When the things they do break my heart, they don't even sense it--let alone say "I'm sorry."

I always find it "interesting" that when I think of what irritates me about someone else, I always end up writing a very accurate description of myself in my relationships with others. And, sadly, a far too accurate description of what my Savior could easily say about me in my relationship with Him.

May the Spirit of God humble me--yes, my pride is the problem--so that I can be empowered to daily embrace the "labor of love" He has called me to do.

"We love because He first loved us."
"When we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"When we are faithless, He is faithful."
"I will never, not ever, not even for a moment, leave you alone, unloved, forsaken--no matter what you do, or don't do. Never. Ever."
"Love one another as I have loved you."

"If you love Me, keep My commandments."