StuckSample

These are some of Jesus’ most well-known words. He shared with both followers and skeptics alike what the most important commandments in our faith are. The first? To love God. For the crowd back then and likely us still today, that’s not really unexpected. Of course, part of following God is loving God. It’s the next thing Jesus said—the second part of that commandment—that may not be what we thought Jesus would say. It’s to love our neighbors as ourselves. To treat people the way we want to be treated. To care for both ourselves and the people in our lives the same way.

In our relationships that are healthy and thriving, this commandment isn’t difficult to follow. But in the relationships that are tumultuous, troubled, and tricky, this is a lot easier said than done. To love those who have hurt us, who have caused pain, who have betrayed us? Not only is that difficult, but we also probably don’t want to even do it. But if we want to get unstuck from difficult relationships and the feelings that come with them, love is the key. Not just any love but the love of Christ. Of course, love doesn’t mean we have to reconcile or step back into a relationship of any kind. Sometimes loving someone else means creating healthy boundaries, and that’s okay. But what loving through Christ will do in any relationship is bring healing, freedom, and relief.

Put this verse somewhere you can see it often. Let it inspire you to consider what loving with Christ’s love looks like to those who you struggle with. Pray that love would help you get unstuck.