It is easier to love people at a distance than those closest to us. We can love people at a distance with a kind of idealized love. We may tend to lose patience with those who are nearby. It takes more effort, spiritual energy and grace to love folks up close. The problem-laden people in our families, or those in our sphere of influence, cannot be loved with a watered-down idealized love. They have to be loved with a rugged acceptance which deals with their warts, their weaknesses, and their foibles. They may need from us a hard-nosed, unconditional love.
“The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
