Biblical
Priority #1
Kim H
Love is patient, love is
kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it
is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
Love
unconditionally: This is vital and the most Christ-like
thing you can do. This is something that should not be a problem for a
grown-up, right? When we are rude, impatient, unforgiving, selfish, and the
like at others it really just says that we are the shallow one. Proving that we
have not grown up at all, still behaving like a child. Throwing tantrums or
fits of anger to “teach” someone something is NEVER the answer. That kind of
response will only put a distance between us and them and eventually dissolve
the relationship. If this reaction is taken out on our child the only thing it
teaches them is how to react in anger when they have those same emotions. Love
is not proud. Most things are caught not taught.
Assume
Goodwill: Learning this small nugget of wisdom set me
free! Most of the time, a difficult situation with another is never as bad as
we perceive it to be in our minds. Thoughts can spiral out of control in no
time if we are not focused on truth. The best place for truth is in God’s word.
When we dwell on a lie, it will start to come alive and take on a life of its
own. Surrender that situation to the Lord; let him be your defender. When you
assume goodwill, you will keep a clean heart and remain blameless. Grace and
mercy living is so beautiful. What a legacy you will leave!!!
Put
yourself in their shoes: This changes perspective. Recently, a
store clerk was very rude, short and impatient while helping me. After a while,
I simply told her that if she was having a bad day that I could come back
later. She said no and perked up enough to finish what we were doing. I have
bad days, I have definitely acted that way before, just ask my family!
So instead of being rude back or thinking terrible
thoughts in my head (both would be sinful on my part), simply putting myself in
her shoes let me remain blameless.
Challenge: Let
us pray: Father, Our best example is Jesus. We ask for him to fill us with his
love so we can live a life of love. We cannot do this without Him! We pray that
we are led by The Holy Spirit to love with a pure heart. In Jesus name, Amen
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