Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The New Commandment: Love One Another (07/23/26)
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TITLE: LOVE BEYOND HURT | Previous Challenge Entry
By Philip Aiyabei
07/25/26 -
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His actions surprised me. The service had barely begun, and I wondered what kind of emergency could have caused him to leave so abruptly.
Later that day, I called him to find out what had happened. What he shared deeply saddened me.
"There was no way I could remain in that service while Jenifer was leading," he said. "She spoke ill about me and my family. She mocked us because we are still trusting God for a child. Those words wounded me deeply. I cannot even bring myself to shake her hand."
I listened quietly as he poured out the pain he had carried for months. His disappointment was real. His wounds were genuine. I encouraged him, prayed with him, and asked God to fill his heart with the peace that only Christ can give.
After our conversation, my thoughts were drawn to the words of Jesus in John 13:34–35 (NIV):
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Jesus gave this command knowing very well that His followers would experience betrayal, misunderstanding, insults, and rejection. Yet He did not say, "Love those who treat you well." He simply said, "Love one another."
This kind of love is not based on how we are treated, it is rooted in Christ's example. Jesus loved those who misunderstood Him, even loved those who nailed Him to the cross, praying, "Father, forgive them."
Sadly, some of the deepest wounds are inflicted within the body of Christ. Words spoken carelessly can leave lasting scars. Gossip can destroy trust. Judgment can isolate struggling believers. Instead of becoming a place of healing, the church can sometimes become a place where people carry silent pain.
Yet Jesus calls us to a higher standard.
His command challenges both the one who has been hurt and the one who caused the hurt.
For those who have been wounded, Christ calls us to forgive not because the offense was small, but because His grace is greater than the offense. Forgiveness does not deny the pain; it refuses to allow the pain to control our hearts. Unforgiveness slowly imprisons the victim while giving the offender continued influence over their peace.
For those whose words or actions have hurt others, the command to love requires humility. Love admits when it is wrong. Love seeks reconciliation. Love restores broken relationships instead of allowing pride to deepen division.
I can imagine how different our churches would be if every conversation reflected Christ's love. If our words healed instead of wounding, encouraged instead of discouraging, and restored instead of condemning. The world is not convinced by our church buildings or our programs; it is convinced when it sees believers genuinely loving one another despite their differences and imperfections.
The enemy delights in division among Christians because a divided church weakens its witness. But when believers choose forgiveness over bitterness and love over revenge, they display the character of Christ before a watching world.
As I reflected on Amos' story, I realized that many believers carry hidden hurts that prevent them from fully enjoying fellowship with God's family. Some have stopped serving. Others quietly change churches. Some continue attending while carrying unresolved bitterness in their hearts.
Jesus offers a better way.
The new command is not merely a suggestion it is the distinguishing mark of every true disciple. Our love should be visible not only when relationships are easy but especially when they are difficult.
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