Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell Loving and Liking I just heard a great line. A young person was being interviewed regarding the sudden accidental death of a classmate. She said, "Even those who didn't like him liked him." While I did not have an opportunity to ask her what she meant I think I know. I am going to speculate that some people have characteristics we don't appreciate. Perhaps it is a mannerism, a way of speaking or a way of carrying one's self. Some people are just not nice to be around and we do not enjoy their presence. Yet we do not wish them harm and do desire they will do well in life. Thirteen times in the New Testament we are told to love one another. Not once are we instructed to like one another. I must admit I am relieved not to find such a command. Sometimes we confuse liking and loving. Loving means we have concern for others and wish them well. It means we will do what we can to enable them to prosper. Liking someone means we enjoy being in someone's presence. Some people have idiosyncrasies or habits that disturb and annoy us. In John 10:10 Jesus tells us He has come to share with us the abundant life. Life would not be abundant if we had to be around annoying people. But we do have to love them. Paul once said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives