Matt. 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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Put another way:
You might be showing love when you rock your precious clean sleeping child to sleep.
-->But the real test of love is if you will reach out to the bully in the garbage dump and care for him... especially when he is biting, scratching and swearing at you to leave him alone.
You might be showing love when you buy your girlfriend roses.
-->But the real test of love is if you would surprise your mom by weeding around her roses.
You might feel like you're "in love" when you daydream about that special someone all day, reliving great conversations you've had or the way he smiles
--> But the real test of love comes when your mind is flooded with memories of how someone has hurt you, down to the very words, tone and facial expressions... and you still choose to care for them and put their interests above your own.
You might be acting in love when you clear the day to spend time with your best friend from out of town.
--> But the real test of love is when you give that clingy person your undivided attention and care, knowing that they are a "black hole" of need that is just going to keep sucking more from you.
You might be showing love when you help a sweet little old lady cross the street.
--> But the real test of love is when you choose to respect your grouchy old neighbor.
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When you work in a desperate, thankless situation just because you love God and you love His people, you will be rewarded and you will be like Christ!!
