September 8, 2002

What does it really mean "to love one another?" This Sunday's Scripture might surprise us as it describes the love to which we are called. True love is not always harmonious, and it is anything but easy. We find that true love entails humility, hard work, and yes, even confrontation and conflict.

During the first few months of marriage, the honeymoon period, the one we love may seem perfect to us. He or she can do nothing wrong. Soon, though, reality sets in and we start accumulating hurts. We may hurt one another knowingly or unknowingly. It is much the same in a family or a community. Sooner or later, our love for one another is tested by sin and human weakness. Will we put up with the others behavior or conflict? Which choice reflects true love?

Today Paul recalls some signs of true love. He reminds us what those who love will not do. The other Scriptures bring out some of the surprising signs of true love. Loving one another just might involve mutual respect and acceptance along with a healthy dose of prayer for each other. And, true love will seek constantly to call forth the best in the ones we love.

We might hope for a change of heart from someone we love or a member of our community. We might nag and confront and pray night and day. But, unless we first change our own hearts by forgiving and accepting the other in true love, their hearts might just harden against us and prevent them from changing. True love begins with recognizing our own faults and softening our hearts towards the ones we love.

SO THE QUESTION: WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE OF A CONFRONTATION OF CONFLICT THAT WAS HEALTHY AND LOVING?

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