Jesus loved wholly
The love Jesus had for His disciples was never withheld; it was never pulled back or doled out as proportionally deserved. He wholly loved at all times. It may not have always appeared loving, but it was always love demonstrated to His chosen ones. Whether He was teaching His disciples, rebuking them, or just walking down the road with them, His love was manifested.
Think about it. The life of following Jesus was no cake walk, literally. They walked for hours upon hours every day, often with nowhere to sleep. Brutal storms and food shortages were common place, not to mention the condemning eyes and spies that followed them everywhere. Let’s not forget the deep and oftentimes exhausting theological discussions that took place regularly. Add to that the common and often strong rebukes Jesus delivered.
We struggle with a twenty minute sermon once a week and get annoyed when the pastor dares to step on our toes once in a while. These twelve men encountered the piercing eyes of the very Son of God. They only survived because love surrounded those eyes and enveloped all Jesus said and did.
Peter
I don’t know why Jesus singled Peter out on so many occasions. Surely the other disciples had as many questions as Peter did. Surely, over a three year period of time they each opened mouth and inserted a big, dusty foot. After all, each of them deserted Jesus in His greatest time of need. Why was Peter singled out by Satan to be sifted as wheat and deny the Lord he loved so dearly (Luke 22:31)?
Don’t miss that Peter’s highs were just as exhausting as his lows. It’s not every day one walks on water, almost topples a boat for the load of fish, finds tax money in the mouth of a fish, sees a holy conversation on top of a mountain, or dares to declare Jesus to be the Son of the Most High God. I’m emotionally drained just writing it all out. I struggle to imagine the actual experience of it all.
In reality, I don’t have to imagine it. All I need to get is this: through all Peter did, through all he said, through all he was, Jesus loved him. Did Peter get confused by Jesus? Yes. Did Peter bring disappoint to Jesus? Yep. Did Peter argue with Jesus? Oh yeah. (We never do that, right?) Did Peter take his eyes off Jesus? Once. Did Peter misunderstand Jesus? At least twice. Did Peter deny Jesus? Three times. Did Peter ever step outside the boundaries of Jesus’ love? NEVER!
I’m not suggesting that we will ever attain to Christ’s level of love. I actually pat myself on the back when I even manage to love someone even a little bit for more than an hour at a time. But I must be committed to obey the command of my Teacher: “love as I have loved” and that means wholly.
When my friend forgets our night at the theater, I am to love. When my child glares at me when told to clean his room, I am to love. When my mom withholds her love, I am to love. When the church usher forgets my name, I am to love. When that in-law refuses yet another invitation to a family event, I am to love. When the lady at Bible study talks down at my comments, I am to love. When the nursery worker curtly suggests I supply more diapers for my newborn, I am to love. When my husband is more engaged with his devices than he is with me, I am to love. And, when he breaks a vow…I don’t have to do this one do I? I am to love.
Impossible! Yes, it is! But Jesus said love each other just like He loves us. He invites our love. He loves us as individuals. He loves us wholly. But He also loves us in truth.
Discussion
Love Wholly
Place your expectations at the cross and leave them there. Do not keep a record of wrongs. This is straight from Scripture (I Corinthians 13:5), so it isn’t a suggestion. When we keep records, it is impossible to love wholly. If you’ve actually written down sins and offenses done against you, burn it!
God is judge. We are to discern. There is a difference. Ask God to so show you that difference and then apply His guidance. This may mean walking away from an abusive relationship while at the same time praying for and forgiving the one you walked away from.
Or it may mean packing the addict’s suitcase and changing the locks, then staying on your knees before the Throne of Grace when you don’t know where he is. It may mean being the one to take the first step across the miles and years of separation. Or it may mean laying aside your own desires for the desires of a fellow one another. It may be as simple, yet not so simple, as loving when they aren’t very lovable.
Pray for those you cannot love wholly. Tell God why and ask Him to change your heart. Yes, your heart, not her heart. In combination with this, remember you are not the Holy Spirit. Withholding your love will not change hearts or behavior. Only Jesus can!
One Another Living 