Archive for December, 2017

L.O.V.E. – More than a Four-Letter Word

1 Corinthians 16: 14 “Do everything in love.” 

Love…it should be evident in the way we talk to others, the way we listen to others, the way we respond to others and the way we care for others. Those are just a few examples of love, but I think they are some of the most important. WHEN WE SPEAK LIFE TO OTHERS, WE SPREAD LOVE TO OTHERS.

Love matters because it matters to God. We are created in God’s image; therefore, we are called to honor others with respect and with words and actions that value them.

I have become more aware now, more than ever, that God is showing me how to be a ‘carrier’ of His love. Sure, it’s easy to love those that love me; but to love those who don’t love me back or to love those who are just so difficult to love is frustrating. For some of us, it can be very painful and disappointing. When we learn to love the unlovable, we have developed the ability to see others as Jesus does. We often are too quick to dislike or dismiss someone, but we must remember that we, too, have qualities that others may find ‘unlovable’.

Some of the best advice that I’ve ever heard is to never let an issue with someone become more important than the relationship. God tells us to work it out in Matthew 18:15-16 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.”

Even in conflict or confrontation, love is vital and must be the most important component in the conversation. I have been a moderator in many meetings where conflicts and confrontations must be resolved. I usually end those meetings with the ones in opposition praying over one another. The outcome may not end with them being best friends, but at least, they do leave the meeting better than when they arrived. J

Love is a self-less act that Jesus portrayed with dignity. As a Christ-follower and one who desires to become more like Him, it must become a self-less act for me, too.

 

December 2017
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