Love: Biblical vs Worldly

Biblical Love and Worldly Love.
I often forget that there’s a difference, but there is and it is no small distinction.

Growing up in the world, we are often taught to love our families, our friends and perhaps a few select people whom we grow to admire.
We all hear the “golden rule”, to “love your neighbor” and “treat others as you want to be treated.” That’s all well and good, but what about everybody else? What about the people who’ve hurt us or have wronged us in some way? After all, we also hear “an eye for an eye.”

But what about all of the lessons in between. The ones between the aforementioned that have been tweaked to the worlds liking and are tossed about in daily conversations? What about Luke 6:32-33?
      “If you love those who
        Love you, what credit
        Is that to you? For
        Even sinners love those
        Who love them. If you
        Do good to those who
        Do good to you, what
        Credit is that to you?
        Even sinners do the
        Same”

I try my best to follow Gods law, but I’ll be the first to acknowledge that my best, is far from Gods best. I have to admit that this is one specific area where I am often all too worldly.
As I was reading today, I came across 1 Peter 4:8. I read it, made a note of it, and went about my day.

My focus has changed, and my daily duties were progressing, but I couldn’t stop thinking about that verse. “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” That short phrase speaks so much truth.

Biblical Love.

It’s more than just a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s a choice.
It is a choice that each one of us must make to extend the grace that the Father has shown to us, by choosing to love those who have hurt us, who’ve lied to us. A choice to love all people regardless of the past and regardless of whether or not they “deserve” it.
Remember, God doesn’t give us what we deserve. And we certainly didn’t “deserve” for Him to send His own Son to die for us.

     “He will not always strive
       With us, nor will He keep
       His anger forever. He has
       Not health with us
       According to our sins, nor
       Rewarded us according to
       Our iniquities. For as high
       As the heavens are from
       The earth, so great is His
       Lovingkindness toward
       Those who fear Him.”
                        – Psalm 103:9-11