Following Jesus is simple, but not easy. Love until it hurts, and then love more.
-Mother Teresa
Three months ago I asked You how am I suppose to love my neighbor as myself without getting hurt? Last month You answered with Philippians 4:7. But as I walk with You I see even clearer that protecting myself isn't the point. How am I suppose to love my neighbor as myself without getting hurt? I can't, it's impossible. Love is a risk and it can be very painful. Everyone is broken and to love a broken person involves hurt.
Love is a harsh and dreadful thing to ask of us, but it is the only answer.
-Dorothy Day
You know exactly how painful it is to love broken people, to love unconditionally, to love recklessly, to love relentlessly, to love endlessly. Sin brought You to the cross, but love kept You there. It was Your ἀγάπη that set me free, that paid my debt, that saved my wretched life. Two months ago I told You I would only give out my φιλία and that I don't have any more ἔρως to give. And that I would guard my love more carefully. But now I see that it is impossible to guard my own heart if I am going to be obedient to You. You want me to love everyone just as recklessly as You love me. And when I get hurt, and we both know there will be much more pain, I will rest in Your peace as I live in Christ Jesus. Your love never fails.
This love is not sentimental but heart wrenching, the most difficult and most beautiful thing in the world.
-Shane Claiborne
Abba I will love everyone as I love myself. I will love You above all, knowing You are there to catch me. Jesus I will love until my heart breaks into a thousand pieces then I will praise You as You put me back together and send me back out.
May my entire life be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind You will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship You. (Romans 12:1)
Hope is Rising - Luminate