“You don’t have to break in two”

“As the world becomes more and more complicated,I plan to be more aware of and love every person I meet.Who’s with me? Because going with the flow is ‘easy,’but LOVING is our mission.”

I posted these words on Facebook, motivated by this verse, which once again deeply touched me:

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV)  

And just a moment later, I thought about all the people who “loved freely” and were then deeply hurt. And, honestly, this has happened to me, too. 

Yes, we are to LOVE EVERYONE,it’s true— but God never asked you to break in two! 💔 friend, at this point, I’ll mention a verse that you may not have heard in this context. 

While you love, you can and should set boundaries. Because it doesn’t say, “Love your neighbor AND THEN yourself,” but “Love your neighbor AS yourself.” (Matthew 22:39 NIV)  You don’t love people at the expense of yourself. 

There’s another verse that describes what I mean. It’s the verse Solomon spoke when God simply offered him anything he desired (see 1 Kings 3:5):

“…give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9 NIV)  

friend, this request pleased God (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). That means God wants us to live and love wisely. And He wants to help you discern what is good and what is evil. Where your love can be endlessly poured out, and where you might have to say: “I’ve forgiven you, but I won’t continue going down this path with you; I will move on.”

friend, make these words of Solomon your prayer today. For they are words of wisdom and protection!

“Give me a heart that listens to You and let me be able to distinguish between good and evil.” Amen.

You are a miracle!