We often use the phrase, “falling in love” as if love was an emotion that we are unable to control. We all “fell in love” with our spouse at one time. And, we certainly must admit that some people are easier to love than others. We sometimes just seem to have a natural affinity for some people. And with these people, love comes a bit more easily.

But wisdom clearly teaches otherwise. We are commanded to love one another and there is no emotion associated with it. The Bible uses the Greek word, agape, to depict the love we are to have for other Christians as well as our enemies. This is a love that is undeserving.

It doesn’t use the word, philos, which would be more along the line of actually liking someone or loving as a friend. Let’s not fool ourselves. Some people, perhaps most, are not capable of being loved (philos) but are commanded to be loved (agape).

King David chose to love the saints in Israel as he looked out upon his kingdom. He recognized them as being special people whom God had chosen. Ps 16:3 As for the saints who are in the land,they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.

Let us start looking at those saints that are around us (and drive us nuts) as who they really are, chosen people whom God has placed in our lives for a purpose. Let us choose to extend agape love toward them even when it is the hardest thing we will do today.