1.10.24 - Love is a verb
Good morning ,
Next month is Valentine's Day and we are already being flooded with gift ideas online and in the stores. Everyone is already making plans to celebrate "love day" and while all this is great, it really made me think about the word love. I heard in a sermon awhile back that love is a verb. We often use the word love to describe how we feel about a person, place or object, however the Bible describes love as an action. Jesus tells us we will be known by how we love one another.
John 13.34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The reality is many of us struggle to show love especially to those who wrong us. Whether it's someone making a rude comment, someone in traffic cutting you off, someone jumping in front of you in line, someone posting something online that you don't agree with, etc. It's hard to show love when people cause us hurt, anger, or frustration. It's actually really hard.
I got to thinking about how I respond to people and I have some work to do. Now I don't typically respond in an unloving way directly to the person, but I will make comments to a friend and especially to myself. (yes I talk to myself)
I always tell my kids you don't need to respond when kids say mean things. Walk away and if it continues tell a teacher. Yesterday I gave my daughter another piece of advice that I need to remember to take myself.
My daughter was telling me about a girl at school that doesn't believe in Jesus. She has tried to share Jesus with her for almost 3 years and she was feeling discouraged and I could tell she was actually getting mad because she didn't understand why the girl wasn't believing. I told her that she couldn't make anyone believe in Jesus and I encouraged her to pray for the little girl. The look on her face was priceless. I explained to her that we need to pray for people that they will come to know Jesus.
It dawned on me that I know this, but I rarely do it. But that's the great news about God. He will gently show you (even through children) where we need his help.
That's why I have chosen 1 John 4:7 as my scripture for the week.
1 John 4:7 - Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
I want people to know I have a relationship with God by the love that I have for others. One of the prayers I have been saying lately when I start to feel irritated is "Lord soften my heart."
Demonstrating our love for others is one way that people will see there is something different about us.
Ask yourself "how am I demonstrating love for others on a daily basis?" If you don't know ask God to help you. He will show you how you can be more loving towards others. Don't be surprised if he uses a little person or even someone who gets under your skin to show you :)
I appreciate you being a part of my community. It's always more than skin care :)
If this email has helped you please share it with someone you know.
Love,
Danielle
naturallycreated4you.com
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