Greater Love

Read a devotion last night and it talked about love. God's command for us to love Him and other. About how we should love everyone. Not only those that we're comfortable with. Truly, I have heard sermons, read devotions, articles, books etc on this topic, and undoubtly every Christian would have too. But really, how easy it is to foget this great command? It's always easy to talk about it, discuss about how we could fulfill this command. But when reality hits us, out on the streets, at school, at our workplace, in a restaurant, on a public transport, or even at home, how often do we actually practice this command? How often do we allow our emotions take over and forget the sovereign command that God has called us to follow?

This devotion message has once again reminded me of my attitude and my behaviour lately. When I walk on the streets near my brother's apartment and see different types of people, those who are not being welcomed in the "normal" society, I've tried to avoid them as much as I can. Every time I'd hope that none of them would notice me, none of them would talk to me. I have been driven by fear. I didn't even realize it until this morning when I was walking again on the streets this thought suddenly cam to me. Why am I so afraid? Why am I avoiding them? Even to the extent of not wanting even an eye contact with them. Then I tried to analyze and realize that it was because of the stereotype that people often have towards these people, the behaviour that they have that was out of the norm, my mom's concern for bro's safety, and the unknown - not knowing who they are, what they would do to us and if they have any transmittable diseases. It slowly but quietly lead me to believe that these people are dangerous and I should stay away from them. The fear had taken control of my thoughts and behaviour and I had forgotten God's command. Just like that, without me even realizing it.

Last night, reading this devotion reminds me again and confirms of what God is trying to tell me. I can't be afraid of them. I can't be like other people, staying away from them and trying my best to avoid them. Of course, I have to protect myself too and can't just blindly believe that I would never be harmed. But we are called to follow Christ's steps and that's what He did. He went against stereotype and got close with those whom people stayed far away from. He wasn't afraid of them. Instead, he showed people how pointless their fear was. He showed us how to love. We need to love those who are close to us, but even more, we need to love those who we aren't close with, and those whom people have abandoned, those whom people of the word do not love.

It also reminded me of myself when I was young. When I was a child I had no idea of how dangerous the world and people can be. All I believed was everyone is good. No matter what they did, or what they said. There's always good inside of them. And so, I saw people in their good. I was able to accept everyone. I befriended those whom people refused to be friends with. I was blind and ignorant towards the dangers of the world and the evil. But now, I guess I've become worse in that sense. I have begun to conformed to the world and starting to be part of it. I have prejudice, no matter how hard I try to deny it, the stereotype had already sunk into my brains and it's undeniable. I have people whom I wouldn't quite like to be friends with, there are people whom I'm afraid of and wouldn't want to go close to, there're now people whom I try to find good in them, but fail.

I'm so disappointed with myself. Can't imagine how disappointed God would be. Now, I have to always consciously remind myself of these weaknesses and I have to change. I need to be blind again, this time though, with a pinch of wisdom. =)

Well, that's pretty clear theoretically, and I really thank God for reminding me the essence of love. Now, it's the practical test. Let's see what happens.


Love God with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength, and love one another as He loved me.