Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. ~ Mark 10:21-23 NIV

Clearly, Jesus loved this young man. Yet, He let him walk away. He never tried to manipulate this man into becoming His disciple.

God’s love does not manipulate people. It does not trap people in a relationship they don’t want to be in. His love frees people to be themselves and choose their path.

If you truly love those around you, you will never try to manipulate them. You will free them to choose their path.