Worthy of Love

I was sitting in church the other day, thinking of how impressive that it is that Jesus chose to go and die for those that were not showing a loving attitude.  Indeed, many were actively working against him. Given the choice, I don't know how readily I would feel like making the same decision with those that are choosing selfish, manipulative, and hurtful motives.  As I reflected on this in prayer, I felt like God was saying everyone was worthy of love.

Well, that caused a defensive reaction within me, as I reflected on exes and others that had chosen to either intentionally harm me or neglect me.  But, as I reflected on it, more, I realized that loving them doesn't mean that I have to choose to be around them.  I can choose to find those who I can love who also loves me and wish my exes to find love that works for them without choosing that person to be me in that toxic environment.  Like I would wish for them, I am worthy of receiving love, myself.  Indeed, I have already found that person that I can share that safe and mutual love with someone that is a gift from God.  I would hope that everyone can find something so special.

One thing that makes it so special, however, is that our love is secure in non performance.  That has been one of the sweetest things about it, from the very beginning.  We see each other as worthy of love, apart from anything they do or do not do.  So, when we have things to learn from each other, we do so in the understanding that any miscommunications or ways we can adjust to each other that comes to light... or even life stressors and personal challenges... do not affect our security in love for each other.  However, it doesn't mean and isn't seen as permission to ignore the needs of the other.  Instead.. amazingly.. releasing expectations for each other gives us the freedom and peace to enjoy each other and inspires us to WANT to do more for each other, because we love them.. not out of obligation but out of care which is more meaningful.

And, that, I think, is what God is trying to teach me about loving others.  When God looks at humanity, God sees them as God's own making, each person made with hopes for what they can become.  Then, that hope is a fuel for your care.  Whether or not they actually reach that potential, they are still worthy of love for simply BEING.  It is a love fueled by Grace that says, I am choosing not to base my love upon what you do, and when we are receiving such grace fromothers we are empowered to feel others are worthy of love, as well.

It doesn't mean that they are worthy of trust or a commitment or even being in close contact.  You do have to look out for your own boundaries and make choices for your happiness.  But, the choice to LOVE them can be our act of prayer to God, since we know of God's care for them.  And, even if we guard our peace with boundaries and act within those limits, we can pray for them to be healed and find love, themselves.  

You never know if just loving someone without blame will inspire them to love another.  It won't always.  In our society, there are many that will simply take your love and hope and continue to only think about themselves. When that happens, we wish them well and send them on their way on their journey.  However, the same process upon a heart ripe for healing could be life changing and liberate them from years of pain to chart a new course in hope to their own happiness as well.

I know this is challenging, and it is a hard concept to understand and practice.  I have and will probably make mistakes as I try to make it a part of my life, but I am very grateful to have a God that loves me enough without performance to give me the foundation to try.  That foundation lets me be happy, even before I have fully got it, and I think that is a part of why we sing about God's Amazing Grace.