The More I Love, The Less I'm Loved?

Today I spoke with my youngest daughter Corina via Skype.  During our conversation "Beena" as I call her, told me that she has been trying to form deeper relationships with the other girls in her Seminary classes in South Africa.  Beena is not one for superficial relationships, she is more like me in that it is usually "all or nothing" with us.  The more the other girls open up to her the less they reciprocate.  In other words; the more she loves on them the less she is feeling loved by them?

The timing of this is to coincidental to ignore.  I had taught Bible Class today which included the following scripture;

2Co 12:15 NLT  I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.

The Apostle Paul was writing this to the Corinthian church.  In this chapter Paul refers to himself as a parent and the church as his children.  He was saying how it is the responsibility of the parent to take care of the children (young children) specifically financially.  He also gives the impression that it is sad when our children don't recognize what we have done for them or take us for granted.  How fragile all relationships seem to be.

The other reason I relate this to Corina is that "Leadership" of any type is usually lonely.  One of the reasons people move towards leaders is their apparent strength.  What people forget is that the "Paul's and Corina's" in our lives are people too!  Another "strength" of a leader is their ability to care for others.  Paul deeply loved the Corinthian church he founded and Corina loves the other young ladies who have opened up to her.

However it is the last part of the verse; "...the more I love you, the less you love me."  When I think of this statement I reminisce of High School days when the better I treated the girls I liked (dating) the less they seemed to like me, and conversely, the girls I didn't care as much for, liked me all the more?

Corina ended our conversation to say that The Lord is The One whom all my love comes from and that she is learning this.  I say; Love is a one-way street!  Did you just say what I thought you said - No I wrote it - YES!  Love is a one-way street.

1Jn 4:10 NLT  This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Many relationships hang together because of one not both members.  God loved us first and we were not even lovable.  Who are you not showing your love too?

Blessings

ernie