Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I could not let this day go by without writing something about Love. I published Episode 9 of the 1 Peter Bible study Podcast which has the same theme. Check it out here.
God expects Christians to love others. By our fruit we can tell the level of love we have for our fellow man. Do you actively seek out ways in which to serve and love others? Or, is your thing just to cut checks and allow others to do the work, feeling like you've made a difference? When is the last time you actively sought out to make someone else have a good day?
We all know what it is like when people really make us angry; from rude comments, to inconsiderate behavior, taking too long with our dinner while eating out and so on. We all know how bad this makes us feel. I know I have been there more times than I would like to admit. I have my selfish moments, thinking it is all about me. We all have a tendency to view the world from the standpoint of us being the center and everything else needing to conform to our wants and needs. This is such a unhealthy way to live.
John 13:25 tell us, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is a very damaging to have Christians treating each other badly. It not only goes against what God expects from us, it is a bad witness to non-believers. If you quarrel in front of a non believer you may drive them further from Jesus because of your failings. To me, there can be nothing more sad than that. Is it worth sinning to make yourself feel better by snapping at someone to make them feel small because they have somehow wronged you? Would you be comfortable having lots of people see you at moments like that? I know I would not! How we act is proof that we belong to God. How many people right now would accuse you of belonging to God?
Proverbs 10:12 tell us that, “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” Pick your battles, and let things go. Nothing makes you feel better than saying I’m sorry and letting conflict go; doing right feels much, much better than being right most of the time. That last one is for me, this is a major flaw I have and I am sure many others have also.
Start with making someone’s day today. I know this is a day is a day to spend with your significant others. Think about how many people may be lonely today. Think of those who have had the love of their lives pass away; and about those who have their love ones fighting overseas so that others may live with simple freedoms that we all take for granted. Think of that little girl or boy missing their daddy or mommy right now when kids are giving their parents handmade cards and about the hugs and kisses they wish they could give them right now.
Love could be as simple as forgoing coffee and treating someone else to a free coffee, lunch or dinner…or just a smile and a hug for that person who looks like they need it. Call that person you know is alone; stop this time to acknowledge and help that person you ignore every day on the street. Lets us make this day not about Hallmark, expectations and “what did you get?” Lets us today, be what we should be everyday as Christians. Lets love in the Biblical since, let us fill others with love and compassion and overflow their cups; let that person or persons know they are a child of God and that they are loved.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” - Hebrews 6:10
Peace be with all of you today. God Bless. >>John
God expects Christians to love others. By our fruit we can tell the level of love we have for our fellow man. Do you actively seek out ways in which to serve and love others? Or, is your thing just to cut checks and allow others to do the work, feeling like you've made a difference? When is the last time you actively sought out to make someone else have a good day?
We all know what it is like when people really make us angry; from rude comments, to inconsiderate behavior, taking too long with our dinner while eating out and so on. We all know how bad this makes us feel. I know I have been there more times than I would like to admit. I have my selfish moments, thinking it is all about me. We all have a tendency to view the world from the standpoint of us being the center and everything else needing to conform to our wants and needs. This is such a unhealthy way to live.
John 13:25 tell us, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is a very damaging to have Christians treating each other badly. It not only goes against what God expects from us, it is a bad witness to non-believers. If you quarrel in front of a non believer you may drive them further from Jesus because of your failings. To me, there can be nothing more sad than that. Is it worth sinning to make yourself feel better by snapping at someone to make them feel small because they have somehow wronged you? Would you be comfortable having lots of people see you at moments like that? I know I would not! How we act is proof that we belong to God. How many people right now would accuse you of belonging to God?
Proverbs 10:12 tell us that, “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” Pick your battles, and let things go. Nothing makes you feel better than saying I’m sorry and letting conflict go; doing right feels much, much better than being right most of the time. That last one is for me, this is a major flaw I have and I am sure many others have also.
Start with making someone’s day today. I know this is a day is a day to spend with your significant others. Think about how many people may be lonely today. Think of those who have had the love of their lives pass away; and about those who have their love ones fighting overseas so that others may live with simple freedoms that we all take for granted. Think of that little girl or boy missing their daddy or mommy right now when kids are giving their parents handmade cards and about the hugs and kisses they wish they could give them right now.
Love could be as simple as forgoing coffee and treating someone else to a free coffee, lunch or dinner…or just a smile and a hug for that person who looks like they need it. Call that person you know is alone; stop this time to acknowledge and help that person you ignore every day on the street. Lets us make this day not about Hallmark, expectations and “what did you get?” Lets us today, be what we should be everyday as Christians. Lets love in the Biblical since, let us fill others with love and compassion and overflow their cups; let that person or persons know they are a child of God and that they are loved.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” - Hebrews 6:10
Peace be with all of you today. God Bless. >>John
No comments:
Post a Comment