In love

I do things because I “have” to, I can be rushed and hurried passing right by opportunities to love at breakneck speed. I do things when I’m exhausted and too tired to think, let alone love. I do things from a place of obligation (real or imagined). I do things to love others–but sometimes those things I do are done with resentment, aggravation, even hostility. I’m not proud to say there have been times in my life I have parked there.

There are lots of reasons I do things and I would love to say I’m always aware and practicing doing each thing “in love”. If I’m honest, there is no way I can say “love” is always an intentionality when I’m “doing”.

This little scripture is rocking my heart and my brain lately. It’s challenging me, it’s making me get honest about my deeds and motivation in doing those deeds–and also my attitude and frame of mind while “doing”.

Notice the scripture says “allllllllll”. (*sigh) Let ALL that we do–like when we interact with someone that may be challenging to love or someone who thinks differently than we do. ALL…like when we serve our families endlessly picking up countless belongings, cooking meals for them, transporting them to limitless destinations, doing laundry that has no end. ALL as in attending those holiday get togethers with challenging relatives. ALL things even when we have had a challenging day ourselves and we are tempted to spill our frustrations on others.
This little verse is kind of big deal. As I am thinking, 1 Cor 13 comes to mind of course. God has went out of His way to tell us the definition of real love; patient, kind, not self seeking, not easily angered, etc. I am also thinking of scripture right before the definition that’s says…if I do this and that (give to poor, have the gift of prophecy, have huge faith) but IF I have not love–I am nothing, I gain nothing. Nothing–if we are nothing and we gain nothing, we surely can’t be of value to the Kingdom of God.

I have heard it said love is mentioned more than any other word in the Bible. I believe that was intentional, I believe it’s a big deal to Him–I believe it’s the reason He didn’t hesitate to go to the cross for each of us. I believe for us to be able to love others–we have to believe–really believe, not just know, that we are loved!! We cannot give what we don’t believe we have…

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