Love is powerful – but yet it is often one of the most difficult things to give away. We live in a time where brokenness, injustice, isolation, hatred, loneliness, and intolerance are rampant. I have a hard time watching the daily news anymore because it can be so depressing to see how we are treating one another. When did we lose the idea that even though we may disagree on some things, we can still respect one another and treat each other with decency?

When the rubber hits the road, and we have a disagreement with someone, we are quick to draw a line in the sand and say, unless you agree with me completely, I can’t associate with you, and I am not going to give you the time of day. When this happens, it’s almost as if that person has been placed in a “lower” human class, and then they are treated as such.

I often remind myself what Jesus said (and did) when he was on this earth. He often spoke of and demonstrated the importance of loving others, especially those we don’t like, agree with or desire bad things to happen to (i.e., our enemies). Jesus told his followers that they are to love their enemies and do good to those who hate you. Let’s be honest; this is not easy to do.

There are many amazing stories of people who have been able to love their enemies, despite what that person did to them or someone they loved. I have a friend, who as a child, witnessed his dad being shot by someone and then had to watch him die before the paramedics could get there in time. How do you recover from this?

Several years later, this son decided to visit the person in prison who shot his Dad. I can honestly say, only by the power of God was he able to do this. He forgave this man, and in time, he witnessed a hardened criminal turn his life around and then use his own changed life to help others who are heading down the wrong path.

Most people will never have to experience what my friend did, but I included his story because I want to remind you that even in the most challenging situations, showing love through forgiveness is possible. Forgiveness isn’t easy. Debates and disagreements can get under our skin. But above it all is something far more important. Choosing to love! We must remember that relationships will suffer when we have to have the last word, or we won’t just let something go.

For me, I always try to remember what God did for me, through his Son Jesus Christ, by offering me unconditional love, when I didn’t deserve it. There will be many people in our lives who for various reasons, don’t deserve to receive our unconditional love, especially those closest to us. But let me encourage you to remember that you have the power to change your life, your relationships, and others, when you choose to love.

As we come into the season of holiday dinners and get-togethers with extended family and friends, remember that differences can be an opportunity to learn, and disagreements can be an opportunity to come together instead of drawing a line in the sand.

When in doubt, take a deep breath and remember, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

If this week’s blog has encouraged you, share it with your friends and family on social media. We love to see our community growing more this year, and we thank you for being a part of it.

Your Virtual Life Mentor,

Doug