The Moroccan desert has one of the hottest and driest terrains in the world. Temperatures soar to 124 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Yet, olive trees still manage to grow there, despite the rocky plateaus and deprivation of water. These special trees thrive under severe circumstances and produce some of the best olives in the world!
Much like the Moroccan olive trees, the maturing of our love can sometimes be difficult. So be patient with yourself. Sometimes we may feel as if our love is in a crucible and the heat is gradually being increased - Ouch! Our love for God and others is often refined through circumstances like a challenging work situation, an illness, the loss of employment, or even a faltering marriage. The scriptures assert, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19). The Son of God experienced immeasurable suffering for simply loving humankind. As he endured excruciating emotional and physical pain on the cross, he lovingly uttered, “Father forgive them for they know now what they do” (Luke 22:34). It was the height of love; it was unfettered love! In that heartrending statement, he revealed how much he loved even those who despised him. He wants us to experience that same life-giving love. We were designed to love (Shaw, 2021).
Thank you for your help!