We Shall Overcome with Love

By Nina Mistula

Have you ever encountered difficulties? Everybody has struggles. Even Jesus and His disciples suffered. As long as we are here on earth, there will be suffering. But as long as there is suffering, there Jesus will be also. Have you encountered difficult people? People who are so hard to love? Are there people in your mind?

Why are there people who are so difficult to love?

1. We are all different. Even if people grow up in the same environment, they are still different.

2. We have our own problems. It’s difficult to love people who drag you into their own problems.

3. We are not perfect. Everybody makes mistakes.

4. We have expectations. When they are not met, we get disappointed.

But why do we need to love others even when they are so difficult to love? Before the day Jesus was going to be nailed on the cross, there was a command that He left with His disciples. John 15:12 says, “Love each other as I have loved you.” We need to love because it is the command of Jesus. We are His disciples therefore we should love each other the way that He loves us. This is not easy. Every time you have a difficult time loving others, you are also having a difficult time. John 16:4 also says, “I have told you this, so that when the time comes, you will remember that I warned you about them.”  Jesus already told us that it was going to happen. So when difficult people come our way, we would already know what to do. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus told us to love difficult people. When there is someone that you do not like, you think of them more often than you want, correct? Do you know that you miss a lot of opportunities when you avoid them? You miss many blessings because of unforgiveness. The reason why you do not succeed is because you do not have love for what you do. And that can be seen in the results. If you love everyone around you, you will have peace. You will not be able to do the things you want because you are avoiding someone.

How will you love each other? It is important that you are aware of the two kinds of love.

1. Worldly love is self-centered. It is thinking of yourself first all the time. If you love other people, you will think of them first. Materialism is loving the things of this world. Validation needs acceptance from others all the time. Sometimes, love in this world is conditional. You love because they can do something for you. Lastly, love in this world is temporary. It is mostly based on emotions. It is also transactional. You love because someone loves you.

2. Godly love, on the other hand, is selfless. You always think of others first. It is patient. You will wait for God’s perfect time for everything with joy in your heart. Godly love is unconditional. You love no matter what. It is sacrificial and selfless. You are willing to give what you have to other people. It is also persevering. You do not give up on people even when they disappoint you everyday. Godly love is also transformational. It changes the lives of people.

Love is the reason why you can overcome anything and everything. Because of love, Jesus died for us. No matter what you are going through in life, love must always be one step ahead of it all.

How can we love each other? There is only one answer. We must love unconditionally. John 15:12 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” And how did Jesus love? Unconditionally. He love us no matter who we are and no matter what we do. Love each one as Jesus loves us.

How did Jesus show love?

1. The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) - Jesus did not condemn the woman even if everybody else did.

2. Healing he sick and other miracles (found in the gospels) - Jesus was able to do all those miracles because of love.

3. The Parable of the Good Samaritan - Nobody helped the man except for the Samaritan. We can also show unconditional love through helping other people.

4. Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44) - we all have our own burdens but we should learn how to share the burden of other people. We do not need to solve their problem but at least we can be there for them.

5. The Washing of Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17) - Love means service. If you love each other, serve each other. Service is humility.

6. The Crucifixion - All mankind was saved because of Jesus’ death on the cross. He sacrificed His life because He loves us. All you have to do is accept His salvation.

Romans 12:20-21 says, “On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This verse is very challenging. But if we will remain in God’s love, it will be an easy task.

How can you obey His command?

1. Remain in God’s love. - You cannot give what you do not have. If you do not feel the love of God, you will not be able to love others. The source of all love is Jesus Christ. The overflow of His love is what helps you to love others. John 15:9-10 says, ““As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

2. Forgive. - How many times should you forgive a person? If you do not know how to forgive, you also do not know how to love. It might be difficult to do. But it is the only way to overcome the trials that you will face. Forgiving is setting yourself free. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

3. Trust God. - John 16:33 says ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” If Jesus has overcome the world, then why are you worrying about simple things? The battle has been won. You are already a victor. He has overcome the world.

How is this important in the series “We shall overcome?” It did not say “I will overcome.” It said “we shall overcome.” If we love each other and help each other, we will overcome. Nothing is impossible. Jesus has overcome the world.