Fully Loving When We Don't Relate

Love isn't always a natural reaction. Sometimes it doesn't come easily with certain people. 

And let's face it- sometimes, we just don't "click". 

We're all different. Beautiful. But different. 

It can be difficult- whether in work, school, church, or community groups. It can be exhausting- trying to find similarities that just aren't there. 

I've been there. I've done that. And I've failed miserably at loving people that I didn't connect with [gosh, I even fail regularly at loving those I do connect with!]. And I may never get a chance to restore those relationships this side of heaven. 

But I can rest in the truth & grace of Christ- that we weren't created to "click". We weren't created to be similar with each person we encounter. We weren't created to be everyone's best friend. 

But we were created to click with the gospel. 

Because of that, we can fully love people that are different from us. We can invite them into our lives & pour life into each other. 

We don't have to enjoy the same things to enjoy time together. 
We don't have to be similar to care [action verb!].
We don't have to click to have compassion. 

We can reach out in times of happiness, difficulty, or have conversations about things that we haven't experienced, because what we have to offer is much greater than experiencing the same situations or emotions- what we have to offer is the gospel. 

And those truths & promises will bind us together [alike, or different], and provide a solid relational foundation...more than any similarities ever will. 

Because we were created to love, even when we don't relate.