Happy November! Just like that 2018 is almost over! Whenever one year is done and another is about to begin the thought of counting my days surfaces. That verse is a constant reminder that this is not our permanent home, that we are in mere tents. I don't know about you but I have a horrible habit of allowing my current circumstance to swallow me, hijack my thoughts, and run my days. However, the Lord is gracious and merciful in all of His ways and He is allowing me to be restored one thought at a time! In this process, He is showing me how very small these circumstances are in comparison to His majesty, ability, and sovereignty :) That was not something I was planning on sharing but I hope it helps someone :)
I had the privilege of attending BP Church couple of weeks ago. The pastor began by reminding the congregation the topic of the series they were going through during their Sunday services, "Advancing the Kingdom". The sub heading for that particular Sunday was "Love". Right when the pastor said he will be sharing about LOVE, I was sure the teaching would be from 1 Corinthians 13. A passage in scripture I have read so many times, heard being referenced at numerous weddings, and just being thrown around in Christian circles. Little did I know that service would shake me to the core, leaving me doing a quick inventory of the Love I claim to have for others. My man was seated with me at church so naturally I evaluated my "LOVE" for him. Don't get me wrong, I love him to pieces! However, what I learned that day was that I fell terribly short in my living Love out! I will share the notes exactly as I took them in the hopes that you will also be able to do a check on your heart when it comes to Loving others.
Before we go any further, lets define Love (AGAPE). AGAPE Love is " a carrying, self -sacrificing commitment which shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved!" The definition paints a beautiful picture of Jesus doesn't it? Now, let's get started on the meat and potatoes of this message.
"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- Love's Attitude: Love is patient and is kind (See Luke 6:33- 35)
- Love's Behaviour: Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, and it does not dishonour (See James 4:10)
- Love's Choice: Love is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrong (it thinks no evil)
- Love's Persistence: Love always protects, it always trusts, it always hopes, and it always perseveres
Like I said earlier, I did a quick personal inventory and got a swift conviction that I am not loving my man, family, friends, and others the was I thought I was. Love is such an action word and I was lacking heavily in the acting it out portion. Lord, help me.
God is love and I believe the more we learn to love others as described above the more the transformed we will be into the likeness of Christ.
CALL TO ACTION:
Join me in PLEDGING to not only tell our loved ones we love them but to action it out. Let us be intentional in making sure we extend this action filled word to complete strangers of even our "enemies". God's word is pretty clear about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us! (See Matthew 5:44)
Stay Blessed<3
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