Accepting the Pain: The Cost of Love
There is a moment in every believer’s life when we wrestle with the pain of loving deeply and receiving hurt in return. A friend once asked me, “Why should I put up with everything others throw at me when all I do is give them love? What am I supposed to do?” All I could say was, “Accept the pain.”
These words may sound harsh, but they are at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus Himself lived them.
Gethsemane: The Weight of Love and Betrayal
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus knew what lay ahead. He had poured out love, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught the truth. Yet He stood alone. His closest friends slept while He agonized. One of His own disciples was on his way to betray Him with a kiss. Still, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
He could have walked away. He could have refused the pain. But He chose love, knowing that love is costly.
The Cross: The Ultimate Acceptance of Pain
On the cross, Jesus bore the ultimate rejection. Those He came to save mocked Him. Those He had loved abandoned Him. Yet He uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). His final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), were not a cry of defeat but of completion. He had fully accepted the pain—not because it was fair, but because it was necessary.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Loving like Christ means accepting that love will sometimes lead to pain. It means:
- Recognizing that pain is part of love’s sacrifice – True love gives, even when it costs us something.
- Understanding that pain is not wasted – Jesus’ suffering led to redemption. Our pain can lead to healing, transformation, and deeper faith.
- Choosing to love anyway – Not because others always deserve it, but because we reflect Christ when we do.
Moving Forward in Love
When faced with hurt, we have two choices: to close ourselves off in bitterness or to follow Christ’s example and love through the pain. This does not mean tolerating abuse or unhealthy relationships, but rather choosing grace over resentment, forgiveness over vengeance, and love over self-protection.
So when the world throws pain at you in response to your love, remember this: Jesus has already walked this road. And He walks it with you.