Janet Mennen
Executive Director 

Shortly after my granddaughter was born, my daughter's friend asked her what it was like to have a baby. She answered in this way: "She screams when she's hungry, always demands her own way, and keeps us up all hours of the night. Yet, I love her so much, I would give my life for her."

What is it about parenthood that makes us love so selflessly? The moment our child is born, we become willing to sacrifice ourselves for someone else - even someone who can be most disagreeable! Obviously as a new parent, we see the potential in our children to shed their demanding ways, eventually being able to love us in return. And almost always our love for them never ceases. How often we read in the obituary column of a deceased person who dearly loved his family. A wonderful legacy, to be sure!

But what about those who are not members of our family, those people who don't meet our standards, who are abrasive, who hurt us or even despise us, those with seemingly little potential of changing? Have we ever read an obituary that claimed the deceased person loved his enemies?

And yet, Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount tell us to do just that. "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . . For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" Matthew 5:44-48.

Impossible? I believe it is – unless – Christ's love truly penetrates our hearts, and He abides in us. Then anything is possible.

Perhaps if we look at those seemingly unlovable people in our lives much like we do those precious little ones who so desperately need our love, we will see them as God sees us. For to our Heavenly Father, we are all in need of His love and grace. May the unconditional love of God through Christ, as heard on Christian Crusaders, make a difference in our lives today.

Love is needed most when deserved least.