Our Broken Pieces – The Love That Sets Us Free
Agape (love) does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people, or any qualities people possess. It begins by loving others for their sakes. Therefore, agape makes no distinction between friend and enemy; it is directed toward both. Martin Luther King Jr.
Yesterday, we talked about how forgiveness can bring healing and restoration in our brokenness, how God uses forgiveness as the lacquer or the glue that binds our broken pieces together. An important ingredient in this bonding agent of forgiveness is love. Loving others is the second most important commandment in the Bible. Loving others, I believe, is a challenge for most of us. We scoff at the very idea of loving those who have harmed us. But Jesus commands us to love them. To love our enemies. He says in Matthew 5:44–45,
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Jesus, as our Saviour, knows the restorative power that is unleashed when we love those who have harmed us. Jesus was sentenced to die on the cross by those who falsely accused Him. But what was meant for evil, God turned around for the good of all mankind. For the restoration of mankind to Himself. This restoration was only possible because of God’s agape love for us (John 3:16). God’s agape love is a compassionate, gracious, merciful, sacrificial love that He expresses to us, His creation, simply because this is His very nature. He is love (1 John 4:8). This agape love is the love that God desires us to have for others, including those who have harmed us.
Love Poured Out
This kind of love is counterintuitive, especially in a world that operates on an “eye for an eye” system. And especially when our baser instincts say we cannot possibly love those who have harmed us. Loving them becomes excruciatingly difficult when we’ve suffered unbearably and over a long period of time at the hands of abusers. And yet, Jesus, who experienced unbearable suffering, commands us to love them. Loving them does not necessarily mean that relationships will be restored. Reconciliation may not be a good option in the case of grave abuse. What it does mean is that we exercise our will and we love them as Jesus loves us. We love them with the love He poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5). Loving them is not about a feeling. It’s about making a decision that we will not allow hatred, bitterness and anger to destroy our souls. It’s about making a decision to obey Jesus’ command to love others, even when we feel they don’t deserve our love. Let us emulate Jesus, who humbled Himself and extended grace to us so that we can experience a life of freedom in Him. Free from the negative emotions that shackle us to those who have harmed us.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV)
Reflection
Take time to think about the harm you have experienced at the hands of an abuser – physical or emotional. Ask God to show you how you can love them so that you can be set free from the negative emotions you are harbouring towards them in your heart. If you are unable to let go of these emotions, ask God to show you whom you can talk to in confidence – a pastor, counsellor, or therapist who will be able to help you on your journey to wholeness in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You see my brokenness. You see my desire to be healed and restored. To be made whole again. Thank You for showing me Your agape love when You sent Your son to die on the cross so that I may be set free. Thank You, Lord, that You have poured out Your agape love into my heart through Holy Spirit. Help me show this love to those who have harmed me so that I can be set free from the negative emotions I am harbouring in my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
