Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

 

Truth is, love is hard. Loving someone is not as perfect or idealistic as we make it out to be. That perfect spouse or perfect friend doesn’t exist. We all enter relationships, whether that be romantic or not, with certain expectations. Friends are meant to support us no matter what. We want them to be available whenever we are. We want them to agree with us and like the same things we do. But when friends or even family don’t live up to our expectations, we get upset. We get upset because they have expectations for us too.

 

You see, when others have expectations for us, it requires us to put in work. Relationships are lots and lots of work. It takes both parties to participate in a give and take. But all too often, we don’t want to. Indeed, the vast majority of issues that arise among families or friends are because one or both parties aren’t putting in the necessary effort to make the relationship work.

 

In reality, this is no different for our relationship with Jesus. In a way, it takes some give and take. Faith takes work. Our relationship with Jesus takes work. It takes us attending church on a regular basis, reading the bible, even changing our lives to match with how Jesus tells us to live. Just as Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:13. When Jesus tells us to love, it just sounds like a lot of work. You mean we are supposed to love everyone? We’re supposed to love that boss that takes credit for our work? We’re supposed to love that next-door neighbor who “borrows” all our stuff? We’re supposed to love our family even when they disrespect and mock us?

 

But you know the amazing thing? Jesus has called you his friend. Indeed, he has expectations for us. But he enters into this relationship too. And you know, being Jesus’ friend is hard work. There’s a lot of broken expectations that need effort to fix it. But Jesus tells you, it’s not on you. Rather, he puts in the effort, all the effort. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you,” John 15:16. Jesus is there to talk with us. He’s there to support us. He’s there to love us, just as God his Father loved him. For Jesus pours in all the effort to overcome the messiness of our lives. As he says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends,” John 15:12. Greater love has no one than Jesus, who lays down his life for you on the cross. Thus, he calls you his friend that you may have joy, eternal joy! For so we love one another, even putting in the hard work, because Jesus loved us so much to call us his friend so we may have joy!

 

Pastor Sorenson

 

Prayer:

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!