It’s human nature to prefer the path of least resistance.
We guard our hearts from the things that we do not seek.
We’ve accepted the idea that neglecting to do things that make us uncomfortable or present us with unwelcomed challenges is morally right. Promoting selfishness masked as self-awareness and a sense of identity.
There are constant occasions presented in which we are able to shine and demonstrate our love for others, but too often do we ignore that opportunity. When a friend asks us to do something for them that we might not have any interest in, it’s easier for us to make excuses or simply decline. Maybe that friend that asked us to help them move their big furniture on our first day off in two weeks or the friend that needed a babysitter last minute when we wanted to stay in and Netflix. We choose the love that most easily fits within our parameters of how we believe one should be loved.
The truth is, selflessness is not natural which often means it isn’t comfortable. It’s not an instinct fostered in our society. We grow up competing with each other and learning that we must choose ourselves over others.
Love is selfless.
True love does not come with strings attached. We are not to give love just to get something in return. Love is to be given freely with no expectations. It won’t always be easy to give love. Sometimes it will be uncomfortable and incredibly challenging.
As God says in Matthew (5:44), “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you.”
It does not say, love those that love you when it is comfortable for you.
“Those who are hardest to love often need it the most” – Socrates
We must learn to love with all of our heart and accept the unlovable side of others. Because anyone can love a rose, but it takes a wonderful heart to include the thorns.
Most of us don’t realize that this convenience we seek expands into our relationship with God. As our relationship with others, our relationship with God shouldn’t be comfortable. We should constantly be seeking Him and striving to step out of our comfort zones to follow Him. When God wants us to grow, He makes us uncomfortable.
I want to get more comfortable being uncomfortable. I want to get more confident being uncertain. I don’t want to shrink back just because something isn’t easy. I want to push back, and make more room in the area between I can’t and I can.
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support of my team and myself as 2015 winds down. 2016 has so much in store for all of us and I’m beyond excited to be able to share it all with every one of you.
Merry Christmas – I pray that your holidays are overflowing with love.
With love
