Overcoming Mistakes
We Make regarding Love- Part 2
In the last letter we saw how to overcome five mistakes
we often make regarding love. Now let's continue. Your comments appreciated.
Mistake # 6 : Having Unjust Expectations
We usually judge people by their past. We do not expect good things
to ever come out of them. We might even say, "That individual will never
change. The devil can change, but not him."
When the Samaritan woman in our story in John 4, asked the Lord to give
her the living water, she also brought up the subject of worship (4:20).
Jesus went on to explain in the most wonderful way, this subject that
was so dear to His heart and His Father's. Our Lord had no unjust expectations.
He did not judge this woman by her shameful past, but gave her another
chance. "Love never fails"(1cor.3:8). Was He right in His expectatons?
Sure He was! Not only did this woman believe, but also many others from
that same city believed as well.
There are other examples in Onesimus Phile.17) and John Mark (Ac.13:13;
2Tim.4:11) who were initially rejected but later became useful.
Does the way we think change the way we love? Or does the
way we love change the way we think? In reality, the answer to both
questions is "Yes." When we have the mind of Christ, we have the proper
standard of love: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus" (Phil. 2:5)."And walk in love as Christ also has loved us and
given Himself for us" (Eph.5:2). It is a circle, and our prayer should
be: "Lord, pour Your love into my heart that it may renew my mind, and
change my love, that I may have no unjust expectations for others, but
hope that I will accept others." (See Rom 15:7; 14:4).
Mistake # 7: Being Prejudiced
One more thing that causes our love to be weak and fragile is prejudice-
not just to a denomination or a group, but also to another personality
and the way he thinks. I want the one I love to be of the same principle
and character. This is the cheapest kind of love. (See Matthew 5:46).
We tend to love those who are like us and who share our views and ideas.
We find it hard to love those who are different.
But the Lord's love to this woman did not wax or wane eventhough her
thinking was wrong. And just because He loved her did not mean that
He changed His beliefs or principles. In fact, He was saying, "I am
telling you the truth- all the truth. But I still love you." (See 2Tim.2:23,24)
Be encouraged.
*****************************Letter # 31 (11.8.2001)*****************
