When my sister and I were little and we’d argue, my parents would make us hold hands and say to each other, “My sister is my friend.” Ohhhh, how we HATED doing that! There were times when we were so angry that we couldn’t even look each other in the eye, and we gritted our teeth and fairly GROWLED the words to each other—resentfully.

But do you know what generally happened by the time we’d finish speaking? We’d roll our eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation and often dissolve into reluctant smiles or giggles. 

The fight was forgotten.

Forced love and tenderness … maybe it IS effective! I’m laughing as I write those words and yet … AND YET! When I think about it, God never suggests that maybe we should love each other. He doesn’t say we should love each other only when we’re “feeling” it. 

It’s a command! A call to action! And some days, we really DO have to choose to love despite … right? 

When my own kiddos were small, I found myself employing the same technique. I added a line so they would say, “My sister/brother is my friend! I LOVE my sister/brother!” 

It always worked. It diffused the situation and reminded them how much more important it is to love. It is in fact of the upmost importance.

After all, John 15:11 says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”