“You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.” Colossians 1:7,8 (NLT) (emphasis added)
After reading Suzette’s last posting about loving the unlovable, I came across Colossians 1:7,8 recently during a daily devotion. What struck me was the phrase “that the Holy Spirit has given you” in regards to loving others. Sometimes I feel so hopeless because I admit there is a part of me that doesn’t always easily love others and doesn’t always want to put forth the effort. It sounds like an insurmountable task to me, especially when it’s someone that I can’t easily love. However, when I read this verse it hit me like a ton of bricks. It was what I call a “duh” moment. Of course it’s difficult to love others because we are sinful, imperfect people. But, when we let the Holy Spirit work in us, he gives us the needed and commanded ability to love others, which we cannot do on our own. Let us start by praying and asking God to work in us, change our hearts, and let the Holy Spirit help us to love others and show God’s love, which is the most perfect and complete love .
-Gina
