There Is A Thin Line

chains
Originally uploaded by andebos.

A common phrase tells us there is a thin line between love and hate and it fills into several categories. Typical romantic relationships move back and forth between love and hate depending on the circumstances. I've heard Christians use the cliche love the person hate the sin. The line is flexible and interesting. I thought about this on my ride to work today as I for once turned off the radio and sat in silence, well except for the unsettling noises coming from my car - come on baby - make it a few more years. As I thought about myself I realized how badly I am hurt when I have disappointed, hurt, offended, basically wronged anyone - more basically, when they do not like me or approve of my actions I'm hurt. It's just my personality just as it's others personalities to not care whom they offend or how they do it. That's just their personality. There are of course extremes along the spectrum and those that fit in the middle. As like most things somewhere in the middle is probably a healthy place to reside. I wondered how Jesus felt knowing his extreme love for people and their intense hatred or dislike for him in return. What were his thoughts towards this?

As I look into my own life I am deeply saddened when I know the person I loved so deeply despises and hates me in return. When the person I would sacrifice everything for doesn't want even a memory or hint of me in their life. I have no doubt that Christ experienced this resentment in his life - the stories are full of people who felt this way towards him. And I know many people feel this way still towards him. Yet, he has the deepest love that anyone could ever have...beyond the meaning of the word love is his love. Knowing how badly I feel when the one I loved hates me...how much worse does God feel when we turn away from Him? when we reject Him and his love? when I choose myself over him...God forgive us, I do love you. Thank you for your tender mercies, newness of your grace, and ability to forget our past. I cannot even imagine the pain your heart has endured...the small tast I have received is hardly a sand in the sea - but thank you for revealing to me your heart and desire to love even when it isn't shown back...quide me to always shine towards you.