Love conquers the most hardened of hearts

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Jesus expects us to not only love one another, but love them constantly. The rudest and most wounded people will soften their hearts when love is extended to them.

I know a lady who faced deep rejection from her husband and most of the family for her pregnancy. It was extremely difficult for her. So she had to speak to a counsellor. She booked an appointment, but the counsellor refused to see her without explanation. Then the employer learned she was expecting. And for two days, she was mocked and abused infront of her colleagues who did not want to be associated with her.

When she thought all she could see was darkness, a person she knew but never used to relate much with walked into her life. The person walked with her in prayer, listening to her, encouraged her and reassured her of Gods love. She experienced the rejuvenating and refreshing Love of God through this person. And this brought smiles and joy to her face and peace and courage to her heart...her baby started to leap out of joy..

Mother Theresa "Intense love does not measure, it just gives."

At the the cross, before His death, after suffering rejection from His disciples, and mockery and beatings, and being stripped naked infront of everyone, :-

Luke 23:34 says, "Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots."

Jesus extended true love even at the most difficult of times. This act of love, preached to and changed the centurion.

Mark 15:39 says that the centurion at the foot of the cross believed, after seeing all that.

We are called to show love especially to those most desperate. Even to those who have hurt us most. Those who are deep in sin. Those most broken. Those of other faith's too. They do not have to love back. In fact they may probably hurt us back. But our persistent love will soften them. Our love can draw people back to God.

When we do not have money, we can give time. When we do not have money or time, we can listen to a person who just wants to speak to somebody. Especially those most rejected. Or the poorest. Or those who our natural self detests. Even those who have hurt us most. Everyone has something to give. Even the one who is materially poor, is wealthy in so many ways.

1 Cor 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.