The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IS IT possible to still demonstrate God’s love even though it may be difficult to do so? For Christian believers it is a must, as they are called to a higher standard of living despite the hurt they may encounter.

A Christian’s love walk is key to them experiencing the fullness of life God desires for them. However, the only way Christians can demonstrate unconditional love is by getting a revelation of God’s love.

“It is impossible for any Christian to love in their own power and by their own will. And if a Christian has never experienced God’s love or never gets a revelation on that love it will never happen for them,” said Lionel, a born-again believer.

“How is a Christian going to know what it means to love others unconditionally?” he told Tribune Religion.

God’s unfathomable love for humanity is expressed in John 3:16, which states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

Sharon, a Christian, said having this foundation and referencing the way God demonstrates his love is how Christians are able to love even when the conditions are not the best.

“We are called to loved. It is as simple as that. And we were not called to love what is lovable. We were called to love what is unlovable at times. But the only true way to do this is to first of all believe in God’s grace, because we cannot love the way he wants us to love in our own ability. We must also remember how he loves us. For example he showed his love to us by forgiving our past, present and future sins. That is love. We did everything to make God hate us, and even though that is true he loves us more than we can imagine,” she said.

One of the hardest parts for many Christian, is walking in love when it is not easy to do so. Tasha, a Catholic faithful, was faced with this challenge when she was hurt by a close relative.

“A relative of mine stole a huge amount of money from me. Of all the things I had went through this was the most hurtful because my money is very valuable because it represents my sweat and my time. So when that money was stolen from me I was extremely hurt because I had saved that money to purchase a car and on top of that I had taken that person in because no one cared about them,” said Tasha.

“After weeks and weeks of trying to track that person down, they finally showed up to my house because they were in need once again. And as bad as I wanted to inflict harm for what they did to me, I could not do it because I know that was not what God would have wanted. Some people called me stupid for helping out the relative. But it did not matter to me because I knew it was the right thing to do,” she said.

The word of God became her foundation. She consistently meditated on Matthew 5:43-44: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

Prasant Pati also learned to walk in God’s love daily. He said he exhibits love to everyone he comes into contact with.

“I forgive each and everyone every day no matter what. No matter how bad they have treated me, I repay them with love. Love is so powerful and Christians are to love their enemies even more than their friends. That is how we are able to show off God’s nature and who he is. We have to learn from him and walk in his ways. When this is done the peace of God comes over us.”