You know… agape love is not always warm and fuzzy.

In Christian theology, agape is often described as a love of the will rather than your feelings. It’s self-giving, sacrificial, and seeks another person’s good even when affection isn’t present or emotions are difficult.

Agape love isn’t measured by emotion. It’s measured by faithful action.

One important nuance: agape doesn’t mean accepting abuse or never setting boundaries. Seeking someone’s good can include consequences and walking away from harmful behavior while still refusing hatred.

Hate is a pretty nasty word.

I don’t hate anyone, but there are a few people I simply don’t like. And I think there’s an important difference.

For me, the real struggle isn’t hatred. It’s the temptation to keep stepping back into the ring. To answer one more comment. To defend myself one more time. To hope that this time they’ll understand.

But agape doesn’t require me to keep fighting.

I think the most loving thing I can do for them and for myself is to just let God handle what I never could.

To pray for them, wish them well from a distance, and stop giving them access to my peace.

Forgiveness doesn’t always look like reconciliation.

Sometimes it looks like a closed door, and trusting God with the rest.

I trust God. I’m over it. It’s become really stupid, and it’s not worth my time and frustration anymore.

Fight with yourself. I’m giving it to God.