"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

Last night, I was talking with my uncle and he expressed his frustrations on why do some people do not listen. He was saying that for the longest time, all he wanted was for his nieces and nephews is to be successful and live a good life. He gave advice but he was shoved away. Eventually, he grew tired and irritated. 

I was just listening to him and asked "What is it that really frustrates you?" 

He said, "I just want to help them succeed and they won't listen," 

"Well, are you showing them that you really want to help them succeed by the way you are irritated and frustrated right now?" 

He paused and shook his head. "No," 

"Then maybe that's why. If you really want to help them, keep on doing so, eventually the will listen to you," 

"But that's hard," 

"It is. But if it's something that you really want to do, to help them, you will accept and try again"

It is hard to forgive especially if you've been done wrong for a number of times. But here's the thing - why are we so frustrated and sad? Why are we so affected? Even if you deny it, here it goes: It is because we love these people. The saying "The more you hate, the more you love," is real. We want nothing but the best for them because we care for them so much. That is why if they do something that hurts, it stings big time. 

I know it can be very difficult for us to show this love when we are in pain. But with these experiences, God is teaching us one huge thing - to love more. Wait what? To a person who hurt me?? Why?!!! We might say. Unbelievable! No! Never! 

But it's the truth. God wants us to love more. He wants us to care more. He wants us to accept these people, forgive them and love again. Why? Because God loves us more than we can imagine. Because God can accept us even we are sinners and we are at our lowest. And He wants us to do the same for these people we care about. He wants us to spread the love to the world, from our family to our friends, officemates and everyone we encounter daily. 

Like my uncle and me, or even you, we may find it very challenging and almost impossible to do. But if we let God and have love as our fuel to keep moving forward, we are unstoppable.

Father, continue to guide us to be more loving even to the most difficult people. Let us overcome our frustrations and anxiety with the power of love. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.