Love is a choice.

I’ve heard that phrase so many times that it can slip past me like a will-o’-the-wisp. I nod my head in a “yes, that’s true” kind of fashion … but I don’t acknowledge the truth of the words. The challenge inherent in them.

Sometimes you must choose to love … and in doing so, you are choosing not to hate.

So often we think that opposite of loving is unforgiveness. But we can barrel right past that into the darkness of hatred where we, who are made in the image of God, mar his reflection by our words and actions. And we do harm to others who are also made in the image of God.

Do you know what I do sometimes when I walk past someone who looks different than me or acts different than me or for some reason makes me feel scared or nervous or uncomfortable? I remind myself: They are made in the image of God too. Made in the image of God. 

But I digress.

Or maybe I don’t.

It is easier to stick with love … to release the burden of hatred … when I remember that the person who has wounded me or even hates me is made in the image of God.

In Your Words: What helps you release the burden of hatred and stick with love? 

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