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I Love You, I Just Don’t Like You
In a few weeks, Eva and I are performing a wedding in Kansas City. She is the daughter of one of our best friends and we can’t wait. During our long-distance marriage counseling, I told them what I tell all couples. “I hope you always love one another; it’s no big deal that there will be times when you don’t like one another. If you don’t, you’re not paying attention. Just be civil, tell your mate you love them, and this too shall pass.” Last night, Eva and I got mad about what we were not going to have for supper. So, we went to bed hungry and not speaking. Even though she was wrong, I told her I loved her when we went to bed.
As I was thinking about what to write this morning, I thought about something I mentioned in Sunday’s sermon. A church member came by my office and we enjoyed chatting. Often, when people drop by, they have something bothering them. I decided to ask him how things were going at church. “I think things are great.” Waiting on the inevitable “but”, he went on, “People really love one another here.” Initially, I was shocked, but after a few seconds, I agreed with him. When he left, I put my feet on my desk to ponder what he said. I agreed with him.
What can get in the way are the times when we don’t like one another. Sometimes, we don’t like the obnoxious fan of the football rival. Sometimes, it is politics or what you bring or don’t bring to covered dish lunch. Those simply fall under the categories of likes or dislikes, which should be fleeting or at least not a lifetime struggle. So, go ahead and be mad at your spouse when he burns the meatloaf or she didn’t change the oil in your car. This too SHALL pass, if you have any sense.
What should never be in peril is your love for the person who sits on the pew behind you or smirks when the preacher messes up. Oh, and that guy in my office who told me our church is full of love… I didn’t really like him much a few weeks ago. I can’t even remember what it was about it. Now, I remembered the second greatest commandment, “To love your neighbor as yourself.” You can find the greatest commandment in Matthew 27:30.
Remember, this church is full of love. Which scripture tells us, “Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Remember, I love you. There are a few of you I might not like. But…this too shall pass!
Have Fun, David
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