Explorations United - Can we love when we are suffering?

by Dr CKFaun (Medical Practitioner by profession. Worships in Penang)

Shalom,

Can we love when we are suffering?

This question seems like a paradox, which contradicts how the world loves.

In times of trouble and suffering do we see ourselves being able to love others?

For us who belong to the Kingdom of God; it is the highest form of love we would want to have!

What?

Why would that be considered the highest form of love?

And to have it?

This form of love in question is:-

God’s kind of love.

Firstly,

A love that is eternal, never changing and never fails.

Jesus as we know died on the Cross; once, for all and for all time.

His love for us can be said to be never changing or fleeting in nature, the same and constant love from the time He came in the flesh, emptying Himself of no reputation and all the resources as Son of God, and took on the weaknesses of man. Philippians 2:6-8

At Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated the greatest victory over flesh, overcoming great anguish and distress to face death. The Son of Man battled against the will of His flesh and brought it into submission to the will of the Father. And love prevailed. His love never failed us at the crucial moment.

Luke 22:42,44 (GNB)

“Father,” He said, “if You will, take this cup of suffering away from Me. Not My will, however, but Your will be done.”

In great anguish He prayed even more fervently; His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Secondly,

A love that is pure and unconditional.

It is independent of circumstances, peoples’ condition or our personal position, which is not dictated by self for any selfish reasons or an expectation of reward in return.

For even in the best of condition with the best of spiritual gifts, exercised in the best of circumstances, still we will not receive approval from God if it is not done in His love!

We read of this account in the Corinthian church, who were blessed with many spiritual gifts,

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (GNB)

I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell.

I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains — but if I have no love, I am nothing.

I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burnt — but if I have no love, this does me no good.

This unconditional love (of God) is also described as Agape love;

On which all other types of love find their anchor, without which: family affection (storge), friendship love (philia) and romantic love (eros) would crumble!

Because if love was based on circumstances it will change with circumstances and so will love change when our personal feelings or human relationship change!

But not so with God’s kind of love.

The highest order of love!

We have that love in us by nature of our spiritual birth in Christ!

So, let’s build our relationship on God which lasts!

That we love at all times, all people and all circumstances, both in our joyous mood as well as in our sufferings!

Oh! What a glorious life we have in Christ!

May Christ be given pre-eminence!