While we readily acknowledge love as the most powerful force in the universe, we often discount the vulnerability of loving.
Who of us has not felt the frustration of loving someone so much, being so sure we know what is best for him or her, and then not being able to “fix” the problem and “make” the beloved see things our way? How many times have we – still in the name of love – begun to plot ways to “force” the hand of the one we love in order to get them to see a “better way,” or at least the way we want them to go?
Sometimes these manipulations are blatantly selfish; other times we actually offer sound advice, but still the beloved resists us – probably also resents us. Why does this happen?
This is one of the most important things God models for us about loving – the paradox of being powerless while still holding, in God’s case, all power.
I’m reminded of a scene from The Last Battle – C S Lewis’ finale to the Narnia series. Here some dwarves believe themselves trapped in a small and dark stable – complete with all its unsavory animal smells and accompaniments. When one of the human children begs help from Aslan, (the Lion/Christ of Narnia), He responds: “Dearest, I will show you what I can, and what I cannot, do.” The Lion spreads a banquet before the dwarves, but even as they eat, they cannot see or taste the gift. They persist in whining about their sorry lot in life that has reduced them to foraging among the hay and turnips to survive.
In the same way, Jesus lamented about Jerusalem: “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:34 NIV).
Loving others connects us to the awesome power for good – and wonderful surprise – that is our Maker. But it isn’t the kind of power that ever puts us in “charge.” As the Lord teaches Paul: “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8 The Message).
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