What’s Inside: Love. The conversation continues. We are not
talking about just any love. We are talking about the love for which we are
held responsible as Children of God, the love that is the marker of our faith
and the evidence of a Christian. How can you tell if someone really has a
relationship God? “By this everyone will know that you are my (Jesus)
disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Is it possible to show love
to everyone around you? Yes – through your patience, kindness, genuine happiness
for others and humility. (If you missed Part 1 to this post series, check it out here). There are so many ways in which we share our love for one another.
Lets explore a few more.
Be POLITE: This
one is simple. Mind your manners. When people offend you, in love, turn the other cheek. Choose not to take
offense. I can share many stories of when rudeness was my instinctual response
and how responding rather than reacting helped ease the situation. But, I am
sure that you have plenty examples of your own.
A Christian and person who should love is never rude. He is
compassionate and considerate of others. She tries to see things from the
perspective of others rather than lashing out. He holds his tongue. She does
not take pride in having a bad attitude. He is distinguished, poised and polite
- I want to say always but I will be
realistic and fair and say most of the time. "A gentle answer turns
away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Be polite.
Be SELFLESS:
When we love others, we do not try to manipulate them to get our way. We
instead go out of our way to help simply for the sake of helping. Sometimes we
may choose to make a small sacrifice of our pleasure or excess to do so. "Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit, but in humility consider
others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your
own interests but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). Be
selfless.
Be SLOW TO
ANGER: Proverbs addresses several times the hot-tempered man. We see
all too often the adverse consequences of a short temper as it plays out in
road rage or crimes of passion. Unchecked anger can blind our judgment causing
us to say and do things that we may later regret and can sabotage our goal of
loving our neighbor. 1 Corinthians says
that love is not easily angered. It doesn’t say that love does not get angry at
all. Anger is a basic human emotion and can even spur us into positive action.
But, before you respond, do these: take a breath, choose not to take offense,
attempt to see things from the other person’s perspective (maybe they were
having a bad day too). "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to
anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8). Therefore, we should be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James
1:19).
KEEP NO RECORD OF WRONG: If love is king when it comes to
Christianity, I would have to say that forgiveness is queen. Jesus said it
clearly, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is
a critical part of our Christian faith. It is not the easiest but it is huge.
Forgiveness is not about staying in dangerous conditions or continuously
subjecting yourself to disappointment. It is a matter of the heart. It is
making the choice to not be angry anymore with someone or about a situation. Show
your people that you love them by not holding their mistakes and faults over
their heads. It is possible to protect yourself yet
hold no malice. “And how many times should I forgive my brother? Jesus
answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven’”
(Matthew18:22). That means stop trying to keep count. Keep no record of
wrong.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does
not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1
Corinthians 13:4-5)
There is still so much to come under The Litmus Test of our
relationship with God - Love. Let me know what you think. Leave your thoughts
and comments below; I really want to hear from you.
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