We’ve all had to learn some tough lessons over the years - ones that set precedence for you to live differently from that moment on. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:9, “For you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” You see, Paul knows that God teaches us to love those in our lives. That’s his job, and if we’re truly following him, we’ll experience it. 

Take Corrie ten Boom for example. The Dutch World War 2 hero Corrie ten Boom was famous for how she sheltered Jews during the German occupation of The Netherlands. Following the conflict she had a platform to share about God's transforming love, but there she was speaking at a church in Munich when she noticed a particular man.

All of the sudden, her memory flashed back to the concentration camp where she and her sister were. It was here where this man was, he was a guard who gave the order for her sister to be killed. After her talk, this man recognized her. He said he’d become a Christian, he knew God had forgiven him for the cruel things he did but wanted to hear it from her too. 

Corrie said it was the most difficult thing she’d ever done, but found the strength to forgive. God teaches us to love as long as we’re willing to learn.