Love in Three Circles
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Most of us have three major realms of relationship in which we live: an immediate realm of family, an intermediate realm of friends, and a broad general realm that certainly would include some enemies.
Thinking in terms of three concentric circles, let’s go first to the center and think about the family. For this I have three words of advice: Release your rights. There are precious few family conflicts that cannot be settled by simply releasing rights.
I have never, never met a marriage conflict that is irreparable if both sides were equally willing to release all rights and both unhesitatingly say, “I will release my rights as I trust my God to pull us back together.” If you are the selfish or strong-willed type, this will call for a radical change in attitude. I challenge you to make that change.
Second, within the intermediate circle of your friends, look beyond the wrongs. Every friend I have has disappointed me in one way or another. And I have done the same to him or her. But because there has been a willingness to overlook that, we still have a friendship. Love helps us stay at the task.
And finally, within the broad realm of relationships, even with your enemies, fulfill your role. Aim high. Be the vital wrench in their engine. Live in such a way that what you have to offer becomes a perfect fit for the things they are missing in their lives. It is remarkable how the Lord will bring you together.
Now, for the sake of a few idealistic souls who could assume only the best and think, I can hardly wait to live like this; this is going to be fun! I want to bring you back ever so gently to reality. When you decide to live like Christ among the selfish and strong-willed, God will honor your decision, but . . . you will encounter misunderstanding and mistreatment. You will be taken advantage of. However, don’t make another wrong assumption by thinking that if you’re going through tough times, you are off target. Not so. Doing what is right is never a stroll through a rose garden. Jesus’ plan for living may be simple, but it is not easy.
Taken from Simple Faith by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1991, 2003 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com
