Why is Love so Hard?

I've been thinking about this question lately, both in the context of ministry and in life. In particular, I think about how hard it can be love others whom you disagree with or don't know very well. And how much HARDER it sometimes is to love those whom you agree with and know really well!

I think one answer that sheds some light on this question is that we are all needy beings. Our neediness makes us want to control others and the future; makes us jealous of others and their seeming happiness; makes us lonely and wanting of relationship; makes us less perceptive of the truth about ourselves so we feel better; and all of this tends to make us fearful.

In Sondra Wheeler's book, What We're Made For, she sees the Christian faith directly addressing our needs/neediness. She says that, "Worship Limits Control-Seeking", "Communion Responds to Jealousy", "Prayer Answers Loneliness", "Confession Corrects Self-Deception", and Confidence in God Rescues Us from Fear.

While this is a bit formulaic, it helps me think creatively about how and why ministry is so important in this world. No where do we find that money or leisure or travel or shopping or eating or sleeping are an answer to our needs. Only by going beyond ourselves in love do we begin to see past our own needs and rest in God's assurance.

And yes, to do this thing called love is hard. Yet the fruit is worth eating... and sharing.