Dear Easier,

Just because something is easier does not make it right. But you already know that, based on your letter to me. So I am just reaffirming what you already know! Love is an act of the will. We receive the ability to live a life of love because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us! The Apostle Paul tells us this in Romans 5:5: Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Hope means to anticipate with pleasure that the love of God is in our hearts because the Holy Spirit put it there.

The Apostle John tells us in John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Christians have a personal relationship with Christ and are responsible for their own actions. I am not to follow people and how they handle the commandments of the Lord, but I am to follow what I know is truth from the Word. Clearly just these two verses tell us love is in us and it is an act of our will to exercise it in our lives. If we do not love others, we are not His disciples. This is very clear.

Forgiveness is taught by the Lord Jesus Christ strongly! But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses" Mark 11:26. This is a command we must follow if we want forgiveness ourselves! Strong words, but true. It is an act of our will to forgive and to love. It’s very clear and simple, both about love and forgiveness. I truly hope you will say, “not my will Lord but your will be done!” Chose what you want ruling your life!