Love is hard. It’s much easier to hate or hold a grudge or criticize or verbally assault people than to love them. Love is hard – so very, very hard. It’s hard to love the unlovely.

But for serious followers of Christ, love is not an option. We are commanded by Jesus to love even our enemies and those who hate or curse us. It takes the power of God, but it can be done. It’s a choice.

It’s a choice to deliberately seek the highest good of another regardless of how they treat us. It’s a choice to be patient and kind and keep no record of wrongs regarding that person who is so hard to love - because that’s what love does (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). That’s what God did for us when he sent his son to die for us.

So, stop being angry and love. Stop using your mouth to destroy people and love. Stop acting like your sin doesn’t stink as much as theirs and love. Stop pointing fingers and finding fault and just love. Don’t condone their sin or their bad attitude, but love them despite these things.

Love will win them over where nothing else will – just as God’s love wins us over. He does not condone sin – ever. But he still loves us right where we are and patiently waits for us to grow up. Why? Because he loves us. He loves everyone. He loves those we hate.

So let us grow up and stop acting like children. Let’s love like God loves. Forgive wrongs. Let go of grudges. Stop replaying past hurts done to you over and over in your mind. Let it go and just love.

Your reward in heaven will be very great.