An Undeserving Stage of Love by Stephanie Broersma

by Rachael Adams | Sep 30, 2021 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

Let me set the stage for you.

The kids have decided they’re all allergic to one another, speaking different languages unrecognizable to a mother’s ear. There’s no spiritual fruit present through actions or eye rolls, along with any edible types one must eat to sustain physical strength. A once beautifully clean bedroom floor has now been scattered with stinky clothes and garbage from hidden sweet stashes, while the dishes do their own stashing in the kitchen sink. Late nights watching mindless Netflix shows has dark circles under my eyes proving its guilt and the most communication with my spouse has been through hurried text messages resulting in disconnection now causing a feeling of tension settling in the home. Nothing on the To-Do List has been crossed off, but the amount of likes on social media would appear to make it a successful day. The final set of the stage is a situation forcing the family to process worldly views that, dealt with incorrectly, could result in division loved ones. Emotionally, hearts are fatigued and anxiety levels about to become undone.

I believe for many of us, our homes have similar stage appearances. If you read the description for the future film, one question could about sum it up:

God, how do I love these people well?

The freedom to think or say anything has made the command to love others seem impossible. Entitlement has become a message the younger generation firmly embraces, as the voice of authority, or better known as parents, is drowned out by noises of social media and polarizing influences. The dance of expectations and disappointments between relationships has been cheated by wavering emotions and a codependency to keep the peace with those closest to our sphere of impact. Implementing John 13:34, has never been more challenging. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

God, how do I love my spouse when they’ve broken our marriage vows? How do I love my child when disrespect has become their primary language? Why should I love others when I’m being forced to accept situations outside of my belief system? I wrestle with these thoughts and keep coming back to the primary message of God’s Word: Love. The concept of loving others is found throughout scripture, almost as if God knew it would become the most challenging of commands.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14

I pray this sometimes chaotic, yet beautiful screen set of my life, is received with the same unbridled love God has for me. There are times my emotions could direct me to another script, but I’m continually reminded that I need others to love me in not so lovable conditions as well.

God, help me love others well regardless if they deserve it or not. Give me wisdom on how to show them the love of Christ through my words and actions. Amen.

About the Author:

Stephanie Broersma is a living example of how God brings beauty from ashes in the lives of His children. Married since 2002, she and her husband, Tim, have walked through the valley of marital betrayal and come out the other side stronger, more in love, and fully devoted to Christ. She now heads Reclaimed Ministry, an organization that seeks to help other broken brides recover from the pain and devastation of marital infidelity. Stephanie and her husband have four children and live in the Northwest pocket of Washington state.