Relationships require love and commitment from both people. We can’t force others to love us, or else it’s not really love. Joe Nolla, SJ, reflects on the love of God, who doesn’t require but desires our love in return. Based on the readings for Sunday, June 25, 2023.
It only takes one person to break up a relationship.
I’m Joseph Nolla and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
When someone breaks up a relationship, it’s often painful. You don’t even have to agree to the break-up in order for it to become a reality – because the other person is free to decide which relationship they’ll commit to and which they’ll leave aside.
That same logic is at work when Jesus says “whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my Heavenly Father.” Jesus will not force you to love to him because love cannot be forced or else it isn’t love.
God respects us and desires so much that he gives us the freedom to enter a relationship of love, mutuality, and everlasting joy with Him. And if we don’t want to be in relationship with God, God isn’t going to hold us hostage.
It is your love and you decide if you will give it to God – and your love is all God wants.
