While the God concept of loving others is straight forward and comes without a “catch,” there is key to unlock the door to that kind of loving.
We speak of the quality of loving that prefers others and honors them, that gives precedence to them, even to the laying down of one’s own life. The life laid down is the measure of love, but it is not the key in the lock.
Nearly hidden inside the one-chapter text of the book of Jude there is a priceless solution to nearly every Spiritual mystery. After speaking forthrightly about the mockers, the worldly-minded, and the divisive ones even among us, an instruction is given:
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (Jude 20, 21)
Simple, workable, straightforward, and glorious. Here is an injunction without which we may try and try in vain to be loving and kind toward others. The key that springs the lock will ever be that we learn to keep ourselves in the love of God.
Lets’ see…where did we put that KEY? Who can find it before we meet again?
Sigismunc von Dobschutz
by permission, Wikipedia
Cor Unum Abbey 