We have to cherish the good and love the unlovely in our neighbor.
God's love is for all of humanity, and it's our job as His children and lovers of His heart to demonstrate that love to the world. Just as He loves the unlovely in people, he wants us to cherish those things. Just as He created each man worthy and filled him with life, He yearns for us to celebrate people and all they are. Just as He forgave us and cleansed us from all filthiness before we knew any different, He wants us to love people not when they deserve it, but before they deserve it.
What credit is it to us if we love people who love us? Anybody can do that. We are called to love the people that hate us and treat us like dirt. It's true. We are called to love the ugly in people and expect nothing in return. To love not passively, but extravagantly. To not battle sin, but remove it. To win people over not with our morality, but with love. To be so transparent and forgiven that we overflow with the love of God. To live in radical love wherever we rest. To love so irrationally it tears the old man up, burns him until he is gone.
It is when we put love above logic that we allow the kingdom of God to invade our lives.
Oh God of my fathers,
Oh God the Just and Mighty One,
Give me your love,
That my heart will give unto death
Consuming love that burns all darkness.
All my love,
B
