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Who Loves Me?
Harold G. Taylor
David lamented,
"No man cared for my soul." Psalm 142:4
Perhaps
life has caused you to pine, "Who cares? No one is concerned whether I
live or die." Cross-burdened, we often sigh, I don't want to be manipulated,
maneuvered, or mistreated - I want to be loved!"
Often our
problem with love is not a lack of it, as much as failing to recognize
it when it comes along. We often resent authority, advice, inquiry, helpfulness,
and conversation. What we often brand as imposition, meddlesomness, and
ill motives in others is nothing but their expression of love and good
will toward us. We must not only develop the capacity to love but to accept
this crown virtue from others.
Friendship
love has many dimensions. Contrary to the thinking of many, love is a
Joseph who forgives without reward; a Jonathan who plays second fiddle
to a David for the royal throne; a David who admonishes his Solomon to
"shew thyself a man"; a father who sets strict boundaries for a prodigal;
a Paul who rebukes a Peter to his face; and a Barnabas who stands behind
his John Mark or Paul, when others doubt. Love wears many faces.
Who loves
me? My friend, you are loved when your highest good is sought your greatest
happiness encouraged and your future success is secured. Love seeks your
company, believes in your potential, shares your dreams, solicits your
help, stands among your people and disbelieves your critics.
Friendship
love never fared better than the day beloved Ruth petitioned Naomi, "Entreat
me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither
thou goest, I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people
shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die,
and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought
but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:16-17
Homes will
be paradise, marriages will know heaven and the brotherhood will possess
the unity of the Sacred Three, when such love is exhibited and graciously
accepted.
Why, friend
- many love you!
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