Love is a shelter in a raging storm
Love is peace in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave
May God send angels to guard the door
No, Love is not a fight
But its something worth fighting for
Love is Not a Fight by Warren Barfield
Listen to it at www.warrenbarfield.com
Last week I blogged about loving those who aren't easy to love. Since then I've seen the movie Fireproof where this concept was more fully explored. What happens when God puts you in a situation where the person who is supposed to love you the most, loves you the least?
In the case of the characters in this movie, their marriage is falling apart. The husband and wife function as roommates who no longer care to be in the presence of the other. They live their lives for themselves, with no thought of how their actions, dreams and plans affect the person they vowed to love "for as long as they both shall live."
Through a turn of events, the husband is encouraged to go against his feelings of dislike for his wife and do loving acts for her anyway. Eventually he realizes he is unable to do this in and of himself. The power of repentance and putting his faith in Christ is clearly shown.
Fireproof reminds the viewer that God is the only source of unconditional love. We cannot sustain love for a difficult person in our own strength. The only way someone is able to give love to an unlovable person is through the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every person when they repent and put their faith in Christ.
Go and see this powerful movie. Take your spouse. If you are single, take a friend. Definitely take some kleenex.
We can no longer ignore God's call for us to love unconditionally; no matter how we feel. There are concepts in this movie that can be borrowed and used when we need help to love. Because love is something worth fighting for.
God,
You are so faithful to us, even though we are often unfaithful to You (2 Timothy 2:13). You have called us to love - not because we feel like it and not in order to get others to like us. You call us to love in order to bring glory to You. Thank You for resources that help us live out what You command us to do in Your word, the Bible. Help us to fight against our feelings and live a life of love (Ephesians 5:2).
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Have you seen Fireproof yet? What did you think? Tell us - what was your big takeaway?
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4 comments:
Fireproof was a strong reminder that love isn't merely the infatuation that one experiences at the start of a new relationship. It is the glue (remember the salt & pepper shakers?) that binds a couple together - and it takes work, constant and sometimes difficult work, to succeed.
Thanks for this great post - I hope every married couple goes and sees this powerful film.
Heidi, I blogged on this movie too. I was so impressed with the gospel message and the focus on God's power, and not our own. This is now one of my all time favorite movies. We were able to hold an activity night for our marriage ministry, so they could all go see the movie. What a blessing!
As a single Christian woman, I have got to say that this movie really moved me. The whole time I kept thinking about all the friendships business relationships that surround me. I mean the difference between his close friend and her close friends was amazing. She was surrounded by yes-women, while he had a friend who was telling him basic truth (back to the salt and pepper shakers). His friend was even willing to open up his own wounds to help a friend. Isn't that what Christians are called to do?
And I commend a church that is willing to put their talents and money where their faith is. Imagine what the collective church could do if more people were willing to make a strong stand on their faith. May we all follow their incredible example!
Becks,
Awesome point! I hadn't caught the difference between her friends and his friend. I've been very convicted lately of my people-pleasing tendency. Would I be brave enough to tell someone what they NEED to hear, versus what they WANT to hear? Great insight!!
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