If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. 1 Corinthians 13:3 (MSG)
I was pondering on what to write for this month’s newsletter and this thought came to mind “Love Ya”. It is February and this is the month of LOVE right? I mean have you ever taken a count on how many times that we say that during any given day? Do we really love people or is it just some flippant saying that sounds good and makes us feel good. Look at how the Apostle Paul expressed what love is supposed to look like.
4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 13There are three things that will endure—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 (NLT)
Is this how we really feel and act toward the people that we tell that we love? Break the main words out of this passage and study them for a moment. Let’s see…patient, kind, not jealous, boastful or proud, nor rude, it never demands its own way, it is not irritable, it keeps no record of wrong, etc. This is not the exhaustive list but do you get the picture? This piece of scripture was one of the first that I studied and learned as a new Christian. I am still learning how to love the way Jesus wants me to love others. The ability to love like Jesus loved is a lifelong process! I believe if we ask Him and allow Him the Holy Spirit will teach us how to do it though.
We are all a work in progress. If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, will be constant in the reading of the Bible, and allow others to speak into our lives we can be lovers of God and others. It definitely is easier said than done though! The next time that you are tempted to say “Love Ya” think before you speak. This is one of those phrases that we may need to revamp in our vocabulary or put our money where our mouth is. There are a lot of people that need to be loved so ask God to give you a heart like He has for people the loveable and unlovable. Let Him lead you and guide you to minister true love to one new person this month. Hey, I love ya…
Until all have heard,
Rodney
Posted by rthrift