“My people are determined to turn from me…[yet] how can I give you up?” (Hosea 11:7-8, NIV).

     I grew up with a wiener dog named Frank. (An ironic name, don’t you think?) In his younger days, Frank liked to run away from home. Being the oldest child, I was tasked with catching him. I grew tired of Frank’s departures to the point that I threw up my hands in disgust and shouted, “Good riddance!” A very wise neighbor overheard my exclamation and asked me why I was so upset. I told Mr. Hannus that I never wanted to see that ungrateful dog, again. To which he replied, “Son, you don’t stop loving someone just because they lack the sense to love you back.”

     I thought Mr. Hannus’ advice was crazy. Years later, I realized that true love is crazy. God demonstrated His crazy love with these words: “My people are determined to turn from me…[yet] how can I give you up?” (Hosea 11:7-8, NIV).

     The New Testament calls this kind of crazy love agape. Agape is an unconditional love. Agape says, “I love you no matter what?” Agape doesn’t stop loving someone just because they lack the sense to love you back.

     People have called me crazy. I accept their accusation as a compliment. Call me crazy but I would rather try and forgive someone who hurt my feelings than waste time nursing a grudge. I would rather smile at the person in traffic who offers me the universal symbol of displeasure than retaliate. I would rather love others even when they fail to thank me for a kindness I have offered to them.

     I believe this world could use a lot more crazy love. So, the next time you give someone the gift of agape and they question your mental status, go ahead and thank them. It could be the best compliment you receive all day!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, give me the power to love people the way that you do. I lack the strength to love people unconditionally. Please do this good work in me today in order that your love may be revealed through me. Amen.