The Difference Love Makes

Looking back, I cannot truthfully say that I’ve been without love.

I can say that I’ve felt unloved before on a number of occasions, but I could not ever say that I have been without love. Considering that in the world in which we live, I appreciate all the more the blessed and privileged position I’ve enjoyed through my life.

Feeling unloved, however, is a very dangerous position to be in. As someone often disposed to being on my own and preferring my own company, whenever I’ve felt unloved I’ve had the tendency to withdraw even more from engaging with others. At the same time I reinforce that with a cycle of bitterness where the unloved feeling gives a harsh and cynical view of others, I’m ware of them and so feel all the more unloved. That kind of vicious cycle never sees anything like the best from me. Not a pleasant place at all.

This is why I am so grateful for the difference love makes. I am so grateful for the persistence that individuals exercised in extending love to me. I am grateful that this love was not just about fuzzy feelings (there’s a place for fuzzy feelings). I am grateful that this love was often practical and simple. I am grateful that this love took me out for walks and talks. I am grateful that this love listened. I am grateful that this love fed me. I am grateful that this love rebuked me. I am grateful that this love gave me opportunities to experience restoration. I am grateful that this love shone brightly so I could see the truth of the situation in life.

It is indeed sweet to be loved – and to know that this love is pure and enduring makes a massive difference in me. Unsurprisingly, then, I am glad to be a part of the expression of love that God has established through the community of love birthed through His Son. I am excited and keen to see that love make a difference in the lives of those who not only feel unloved, but have actively been unloved by a selfish and sick society whose idea of love is often twisted and distorted.

There is love that makes a difference – I’m excited to see it make a difference all the more as I know that love all the more.

(Photo by Jack Finnigan on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden