Part Three: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?

To be a Christian means to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

It takes twelve years to earn a high school diploma, and more degrees beyond that. Why don’t we consider that our spiritual learning also requires that type of consistency?

You can believe Hebrews 4:12 when it says God’s word is lively and active. I’ve been reading the Bible since middle school, and though I have re-read scriptures many times, I’m always learning something new. The Bible, for me, is a life-satisfying adventure.

New Testament instructions guide our spiritual growth. Once we were in darkness, but now we are in the light of the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-10). God’s light consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

We are to put off our old corrupted self and put on our new self, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-32).  As Christians, we should live to please God and bring Him glory, not making provision to satisfy earthly lusts and evil desires (Colossians 3:1-17).

In fact, we are to detest what is evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we have opportunities, we are to do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10).

The difference between our old life and new life in Christ is quite clear. Read it for yourself in Colossians 3:1-17, Ephesians 4:17-32, and Galatians 5:16-26.

Don’t be put off by these scripture references. If you’re not familiar with the Bible, check the Table of Contents. Become familiar with it.

Take time to learn about other spiritual blessings: (1) The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23, (2) Our Spiritual Armor – Ephesians 6:10-18, and (3) The Value of God’s Word - Psalm 119.

Remember, Jesus said we are to love God with: (1) all our heart, (2) all our soul (mind, will, and emotions), (3) all our mind, and (4) all our strength (Mark 12:28-31). It’s not a half-hearted commitment.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Our daily desire becomes “Thy Will,” not “my will.”

Pixabay:

How To Know True Love

I’d say most people think of love as an emotion. February 14^th is Valentine’s Day in the USA. Restaurants, chocolate shops, florists, and card shops do great sales in honor of the day.

These things are enjoyable, but not long-lasting. True love means taking action toward the best for someone other than ourselves, not one day a year, but every day!

True love is important. True things are genuine, not false. They can be trusted. True friends, for example, are faithful and loyal at all times. So-called “fair-weather friends” tend to fade away when challenges arise.

Colossians 3:12-17 lists some characteristics of love. It’s encouraging to know that Christians have Christ to help them live with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

To “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (verse 13) clearly leaves no room for resentment or vindictiveness. If you want peace, forgiveness is one way to get it (verse 13-15).

I love reading my Bible. No matter how many times I re-read scripture, it always seems fresh and new. This week, that was Romans 12:9-18 as I considered “what is true love?”

It begins by saying love must be sincere (verse 9). That matches the description of true love above (in paragraph four). Living in harmony with one another (verse 16) leaves no room for pride, conceit, or a haughty spirit (verse 16).

As much as possible on our part, we are to live at peace with everyone (verse 18). Isn’t it nice to know we are not held responsible for rough times if others choose not to respond to our efforts of forgiveness or reconciliation?

Please read First Corinthians 13:4-8 for yourself. It’s a classic section on love that begins with love IS and continues with what love IS NOT. The conclusion is that “(true) love never fails” (verse 8).

This kind of love is what makes marriages last for decades and childhood friendships endure into adulthood.

Please, enjoy the emotions of love, but look for the actions of true love if you want something that lasts.

Pixabay: Hearts, Red Hearts, Background; MissMilly.

  

Vines and Branches

Have you ever had the pleasure of walking through a vineyard? I have, and it’s a happy memory.

I once lived in a house surrounded by acres of green grapes. My father-in-law knew one of the owners, and it was our pleasure to glean after the harvesters were done.

In my memory, I still see the strength of the vine along the top, full of branches hanging down. And on the branches hung clusters of beautiful grapes.

It wasn’t hard to understand Jesus’ teaching that He is the vine, we are the branches, and that if we remain in Him and He in us, we will bear much fruit (John 15:5).

There is beauty in a cluster of grapes. Each grape hangs individually while being part of a bunch. That’s the beauty I see in the spiritual life of a church family.

My husband and I were once on staff serving a large congregation. I always called it “a world-class” church, because we had a wide variety of ethnic groups, cultures, and economic levels. What a joy to worship and serve the Lord together.

After serving there for many years, I could still say, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) live together in harmony (or unity). (Psalm 133:1).

One thing we need to remember about the vine and branches is their production of a unified fruit. Spiritually speaking, let’s call it “love.”

Love produces unity. The reasons are many, but let’s consider Ephesians 4:1-16:

• First, we are reminded to be humble, gentle, and patient, while bearing with one another in love (v. 2).
• Next, we must endeavor to keep the bond of unity in peace (v. 3).
• We are also to build ourselves up in love as each of us does our part to serve in the body of Christ (v. 16).

So, hang in there! Enjoy clinging to “The Vine” while being one of the “branches” and bearing much “fruit.”

It brings much joy to Jesus, Owner and Overseer of His spiritual vineyard.

Pixabay: Vineyard, Wine, Vine Image; Kranich17.  

Love is More Than a Feeling

In marriage ceremonies, my minister husband always included these words: Love is more than a feeling. It was followed by a few simple reminders that love also included actions of caring and kindness. I’ve never forgotten how he put those words into action.

As a newlywed, I was heating spaghetti sauce in a Pyrex container with the required little wire underneath. Suddenly, the container exploded and spaghetti sauce was everywhere! I was not only shocked, but horrified. What a mess!

My husband came to check on the explosion. When he saw the mess, he said, “You go ahead and sit down. I’ll clean this up.”  What a guy! Right then, I knew his love was more than words or just a feeling.

Let’s focus on the practicality of love. Feelings of love are wonderful, uplifting, and exciting. We need them; however, love’s feelings need to be grounded in action.

It’s like a hot air balloon ride. You can enjoy the feeling of floating above the earth, enjoying the beauty of the day. But at some point, the balloon must land. Then you’re back to where actions are needed as well as feelings.

First Corinthians, Chapter Thirteen (1 Cor. 13:4-8) provides guidelines for love in action. If you haven’t read it lately, I urge you to do so.

Have you ever prayed, “Lord, help me to love by helping others in practical ways?” Here are some examples of this kind of love:

•   God loved the world and sent His Son, the perfect sacrifice for sin (John 3:16)
•   Jesus loved us and gave up His life for our salvation (John 10:17-18)
•   Joseph loved his brothers with forgiveness (Genesis 50:18-21)
•   Dorcas loved others by making clothing (Acts 9:36-42)
•   Paul loved by suffering hardships and persecution to share the gospel (2 Cor. 11:24-28)
•    Four men loved by lowering a friend on his stretcher to ask Jesus for help (Matt. 9:1-8)

You can probably think of your own Biblical examples.

This week, remember:

Love is more than a feeling!

What will you do to show love in practical ways?

Pixabay: Amour; OpenClipart-Vectors.

What Love Is (Part 2 of 2)

As promised, this week we’re looking at what love is NOT! We’re still comparing 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the **New Living Translation (NLT) and ***The Message(MSG).

 WHAT LOVE IS NOT!

1. Jealous: doesn't want what it doesn't have
2. Boastful or proud: doesn't strut; doesn't have a swollen head
3. Rude: doesn't force itself on others
4. Does not demand its own way: isn't always "me first"
5. Irritable: doesn't fly off the handle (in anger)
6. Keeps no record of being wronged: doesn't keep score on sins of others
7. Doesn't rejoice about injustice: doesn't revel when others grovel

Did anything pop out for your special consideration? It’s good to take a personal inventory from time to time.

The Bible says LOVE will last forever. 

That’s why it’s worthy of your serious consideration and application in all your relationships.

TWO CLOSING THOUGHTS:

(1)  Remember, you can do an easy comparison of various translations if you have a Bible App. I recommend reading I Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Amplified Version of the Bible. (There are several Bible apps; I use YouVersion.)

(2)  Each week, I share a Featured Post, something I’ve previously written on the same topic. Look to the right of the website email version. Cell phone readers can go to the bottom and click on “See Web Version.”

**Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible New Living Translation; copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

***Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE; Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by Permission of NavPress Publishers Group.

 Pixabay: Love, Heart, Paper; stux. 

What Love Is (Part 1 of 2)

Songs can be meaningful and long-lasting. Burt Bacharach wrote meaningful lyrics to a song in 1965 that was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. It starts this way:

 *What the world needs now Is love sweet love

It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of 

It goes on to say this love is not just for some but for everyone. I love this upbeat song, but what kind of love are we talking about?

If it’s for everyone, we’re not just talking about romantic love, but something basic to all relationships.

I think that love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This week, let’s consider what love is by comparing the **New Living Translation (NLT) and ***The Message:

LOVE IS:       1.  Patient; never gives up

                    2.  Kind; cares more for others than self

                    3.  Rejoices whenever truth wins out; takes pleasure in the                                       flowering of truth

                    4.  Love never gives up; puts up with anything

                    5.  Never loses faith; trusts God always

                    6.  Is always hopeful; always looks for the best

                    7.  Endures through every circumstance; never looks back

I also enjoyed reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Amplified Bible, but it was too much to share here.

You can do an easy comparison of various translations if you have a Bible App on your phone. There are several. (I use the YouVersion.)

This week keep in mind what love IS! Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10. Are there areas where you need to be more loving?

Next week we’ll share what love IS NOT!   

*Lyrics: What the World Needs Now; Google, Ai mode.

**Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible New Living Translation; copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

***Scriptures taken from THE MESSAGE; Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by Permission of NavPress Publishers Group.

*Pixabay:  Love, Romantic, Couple: Pepitasandpepit...

Love and Loyalty

I’m always intrigued by the Book of Psalms. Today I read an interesting psalm that read like a self-inventory, but it also reminded me of Emily Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee---Let me Count the Ways.”

Do we ever talk to God about how we love Him, or do we just say, “I love you, Lord” and let it go at that?

In Psalm 26 (*NLT), David listed about a dozen ways he tried to show his love and loyalty to God. One was the importance of living according to God’s truth (v. 3). We are blessed to have the Bible in our language, but do we read it, meditate upon it, and apply it to our daily choices? Hebrews 10:5-7 reminds us that Christ came to do God’s will. Should we do any less?

This psalm also says David was choosy about whom he spent time with. For example, he didn’t spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites (v. 4, 5). Close friendship with evildoers was not on his list. We live with people of all kinds and interact with them on various levels, but pleasing God should be our priority.

Here's another important action: Giving praise and thanks to God (v. 6-8,12). We need to do it both privately and publicly, or in a group setting. Psalm 100:4-5 says we are to enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving, then move on into His courts with praise. Why? Three reasons are given: 1) The Lord is good, 2) His love is unfailing, and 3) His faithfulness is to all generations.

You can’t miss the fact that David was aware of the differences between the godly and the wicked. Twice he declared he lived and acted with integrity (v. 1, 11). Such a person lives true to their moral principles. Their honest lives can be attested to by both the people around them and by God.

Remember, it's important to consider how we show our love and loyalty in relationships . . . both earthly and heavenly. A little self-check might do us some good, too.

*All scriptures this week are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Pixabay Photo: Pedestrians, People, Busy image; B_Me 

A MOM FOREVER

Mom died over twenty years ago, but she is still an influence in my life. I enjoy memories of our tea-time talks after school in my senior year of high school. We had moved from a small town where I had always walked to and from school, to a major city where I had to take public transportation to a private school.

First of all, the bus took me downtown. My social education was expanded as I saw a wide variety of ethnic groups. From there it seemed a long route north then west to my school. The process reversed in the afternoon and it was always a great relief to exit the bus at my corner.

One of my earliest memories is of Mom kneeling at her bedside. She would leave the door open and tell me to call her if needed. In later years I remembered her reading her Bible day after day, each year from a different translation.

As a minister’s wife, she was active in hospitality. I enjoyed the missionaries and evangelists in our home. Only as an adult did I realize the extra work it required. Mom was also active in visitation with Dad and in organizing the women’s missionary council fund-raising sales, and Vacation Bible School.

Mom also took an interest in her three children’s daily education. She was unable to complete high school, but later got her GED. She made sure our homework was done and any bad verbal grammar was corrected immediately.

I always smile when I remember the contrast between first and second grade. I loved my first-grade teacher but the second one not at all. One day I walked home from school during recess. Mom immediately walked me back instructing me to “never do that again!”

Thanks to Mom, I learned positive character choices and social skills, but that wasn’t all. Spiritual lessons were shared at home and church, and I learned much by observing her choices and interactions with others.

As I grew into adulthood, Mom and I became friends. I rarely got to live near her, but we talked on the phone often and sometimes got to visit in person.

Some phrases in Proverbs 10 (NKJV) remind me of Mom. For example: (v.7) The memory of the righteous is blessed, (V. 11) The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, and (v. 14) Wise people store up knowledge.  

Mom, though you are gone, you are mine forever and I’m looking forward to that great reunion day!

POSTSCRIPT: A NOTE REGARDING RECOVERY FROM MY UNEXPECTED FALL ON MARCH 21, 2024:

      Thank you to all those who have prayed for my recovery. Give God the glory. Since breaking my right femur and having surgery on March 21st, I now have a rod in my leg, titanium repair at the "neck" of the hip, and a safe new metal ball joint.

I am also thankful for all the friends and family who were caregivers 24/7 when I got out of rehab, after a hospital stay. I now do most things independently and have only a nighttime caregiver which should end next week. With the good report from my surgeon on May 7, all restrictions were removed. I'm still on a walker, but practicing with a cane.

The Advent of Christmas: Week 4

This week we focus on LOVE. Love is a great motivator, and one of the ways it shows up is in acts of giving. Who would argue with that idea at Christmastime? Let's look at LOVE shown in three different ways.

First, is God’s love. *John 3:16-19 (KJV) explains it in simple terms: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love is more than a feeling; it’s shown by action - - - God loved - - - God gave.

The word whosoever is very important. Revelation 5:9 (KJV) speaks of a song sung around God’s throne in praise of people redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ, John 1:29) from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.

We once worked in a large church with a high-peaked entry. Above the doors, the pastor requested the placement of these words: Whosoever Will May Come . . . and come they did! I always said we had a “world-class church” because of the various ages, economic levels, and people groups that worshiped and served the Lord together. It was one of our favorite places of ministry.

Second, is Jesus’ love. In John 14:8-11(KJV), Philip said, “Show us the Father.” Jesus replied, “He that has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus loved the Father and wanted to bring Him glory. In verse thirteen He said, “The Father is glorified in the works of the Son.”

If you are unfamiliar with the ministry of Jesus and His marvelous works, I would suggest you read the book of John. Of course, the first four books of the New Testament all shed light on the works of Jesus.

Third, is Our love. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). His commandments are easy to find, especially if you have a Bible with Jesus’ words in red. One of His commands is this: Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12 KJV).

This week let’s light the candle of LOVE and rejoice that God’s love was an action, not just a feeling. May our responsive love be the same.

*All scriptures from The Authorized King James Version of the Bible (KJV), The World Publishing Company, Cleveland and New York, Copyright 1945.

Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Pixabay 

Skip to the Bottom Line

Have you ever sat through a long-winded meeting wishing they’d cut to the chase, or skip to the bottom line? It always reminds me of the old Dragnet show where detective Joe Friday would say, “Just the facts, ma’am.”

The Apostle Paul did a good job of doing just that when he wrote Romans 13:8-10. Instead of lingering over the “do nots” he cut to the chase or the bottom line with one “do.”

It doesn’t matter which Bible translation you read, the don’ts are things that intrude on another’s space or do them harm. For example, sleeping with someone’s spouse, taking their life, stealing from them, or wanting something they have that you don’t. I’m sure you can think up your own list of hurtful things.

The way to avoid the negative is to live in the positive: Love others as you love yourself. This week on Turning Point, I heard Dr. David Jeremiah say, “People like to deceive, but I’ve never met anyone who wanted to BE deceived.”

Would you like to simplify your life? Then skip to the bottom line in relationships: Love others as you love yourself. Such love does not harm self or others.

Jesus skipped to the bottom line when He declared that all the Law and the Prophets hung on two commandments: (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and (2) Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).

Martin Buber, a twentieth-century philosopher, makes a good point about this bottom-line principle: “. . . There is no one who knows your many faults better than you! But you love yourself notwithstanding. And so you must love your neighbor, no matter how many faults you see in him.”*

He skipped to the bottom line. Now all we have to do is take it to heart. That means we think before we speak or act. Would I want someone to speak or act like this toward me? No? OK, then I won’t do it to them either.      

*Martin Buber, azquotes.com, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Quotes.

Stock meeting image by Pixabay.

 

A Love Worth Having

The Psalms have always been of interest to me. I’ve read them many times over the years and of course, I have a few favorites. But lately, I’ve been drawn to a phrase repeated in many Psalms. In fact, I decided to study it in detail throughout the whole book.

I haven’t completed my study, but I’ve found so many interesting things that I decided to share a few this week.

My favorite phrase contains three basic words. I’ve already filled several journal pages with references to it. It’s like looking for treasure, so exciting when these three words turn up on the page.

So far, my journal has over sixty entries, and I’m only halfway through the Book of Psalms. I’m challenging myself to share five scriptures about GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE, praying you’ll take time to meditate on their personal meaning for you:

Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old. (Psa. 25:6)

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psa. 25:10)

 

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love

surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. (Psa. 32:10)

 

For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness . . .

the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. (Psa. 33:4-5)

 

As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve m. (Psa. 40:11)

 

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:

That power belongs to God, and that to you, O LORD, belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man according to his work. (Psa. 62:11-12)

I’m currently using the English Standard Bible translation (ESV). But rest assured, no matter which translation you use, the inspiration in God’s word will be there.

Unexpected Blessing #3

Unexpected blessing number three took a while to reveal itself.  In one of my favorite movies, the guy and gal pass each other many times, yet never notice one another.

I’ve always thought that’s just a movie, but maybe not. I’m thinking of six ordinary friendly connections with my husband before true love became obvious.

 

Sadie Hawkins Day: This college event was a girl-ask-boy, so two friends and I decided to ask dates to Knott’s Berry Farm. They dared me to ask a guy I’ll call “Ricardo.” While deciding how to fit six people into my four-door Corvair, Ricardo said, “I’ll drive.” Feeling no need to impress, I said, “No, I’ll drive. It’s my car.”

 

A Wedding: Ricardo had known my roommate for years, so he asked if she knew of a pianist who could help with a small wedding. She asked and I agreed, so we drove to a small church nearby. I played for the wedding, then we left. There was no special connection with Ricardo.

 

A Box Social: This was a youth group fundraiser. The guy I was interested in asked how he could bid on my box, so I gave him a hint. My “second mom” in college told Ricardo my secret and dared him to come and outbid my person of interest. I was extremely unhappy when he won and we had to eat together.

 

Choir Connection: Later, Ricardo was called to our small church as choir director where I played the organ. Some of our songs were Black Gospel. When he asked to work with me on some of the rhythms, I was still clueless. To me, it was just a music session.

 

Used Cars: When Ricardo learned of my dream to own a Mustang, we started to connect on long drives to look at used car lots. They weren’t fancy dates, just fun rides and cheap eats at McDonald’s or Jack-in-the-Box.

 

Senior Year Banquet: At this event, it became obvious we had eyes for each other, though we were there with different dates. After graduation, we stayed in the area and became more serious about our relationship.

We got engaged in August and married in early November. God certainly answered my prayers for a Christian husband. The best Unexpected Blessing of my life was a guy I lovingly called “Ricardo.”

The Season of Love

The annual day of hearts, flowers, cards, and candy has come and gone. Yes, I’m talking about Valentine’s Day. If our hearts were a garden of love with a major bloom only once a year, gardeners would label it an annual.  

I do enjoy annuals, but I’m more satisfied with perennials. In the floral world, they are considered enduring, perpetual, and sustained.

Perennial love is more than a feeling. We all know feelings come and go. That means there’s always a point of decision. If this love is to continue, how much am I willing to give of myself to help it grow for, and with, another person in my life?

It’s not only a question for lovers, parents face the same issue. Like my friend used to say, “Kids! They seem like such a good idea at the time.” Then the baby arrives and life is turned upside down. Nothing is ever the same and parental love has to choose to flex and grow.

If love were an elevator, it would take you to many floors. One floor would be passionate, physical love, not necessarily ending in marriage. Love requiring commitment would be found on another floor.

Loyalty, expressed in familial love, is one for all and all for one. Platonic love is real, too, a friendly desire for another’s best with no sexual involvement at all.

1 Corinthians 13 is considered The Love Chapter. Verses three through eight explain how we can choose to love through our actions. Paul wrote that faith, hope, and love abide (or endure), but the greatest of these is love!

On that note, think about your life as you read my short poem about love.

 WHAT IS LOVE?

By Darlis Sailors

LOVE is fragile, like a flower in bloom.

Nurture it carefully; let it grow.

LOVE is challenging, like a trail in the woods.

Explore it slowly; discover its joy.

LOVE is valuable, worth effort and time.

Invest it thoughtfully; reap the rewards.

LOVE is emotional, up, down, twirled around.

Buckle your seatbelt; risk the ride.

LOVE is sharing both laughter and tears.

Open your heart; widen your world.

(DS, 2018)

A Two-Way Street

 

I’m a mature driver with a good driving record, except for a weird accident two years ago. I was out of town, driving on a one-way street. 

Looking ahead, I saw the traffic signal on the right. Thinking I was on a two-way street, I decided to turn left. Oops . . . car on the left! 

I remember the weird sound as my car hit the side of their car. Even weirder was their passenger and I staring at each other for a few feet before I parked on the right and they parked on the left.

I walked over to them and called my insurance agent---a long call. I’m still grateful the college-age driver and her friend were both peaceful and patient. Since the cars were fully functional, we were finally able to go our separate ways.

One-way streets have never been my favorite. I think one reason is that I have rarely lived where I had to deal with them.

For whatever reason, the other day I thought love is a beautiful two-way street. I think there’s nothing better than the feeling of loving and being loved in return.

Is there anyone who has never been afraid of love? Perhaps someone has even tried to encourage you by saying, “Perfect love casts out fear.”

That comes from First John, chapter four, verses seven through nineteen. It’s a special section about God’s love for us, and our love for one another.

If we feel we have to be perfect to win God’s love, we are seeing it as a one-way street.

The truth is that God’s love is a two-way street. No perfection is required, only acceptance of His love. Do yourself a favor and check this out.

You don’t have a Bible? No problem . . . read it on your cell phone. 

My app is YouVersion, but some people use Bible Gateway. It’s nice to have choices!

 

The Gorilla Glue of Life

Most people have heard some form of this scripture: And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Picture life as a three-legged stool, and where would we be without any one of them? Off balance, for sure. I want all three in my life, but since God emphasized love, I’ll consider it more deeply.

Gorilla Glue was mentioned in a devotional today. I have never used it, but my husband always seemed to keep it handy.

The point was made that love is the Gorilla Glue in relationships. If you read the first nine verses of First Corinthians Thirteen, you’ll learn that love even trumps good works.

Consider some things love is NOT. It is neither envious nor prideful. It’s not selfish or rude. It doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.

If you have a relationship with someone like that, you are fortunate.

What are some other traits of love? It is long-suffering and kind. It bears, believes, endures, and hopes for the best in all things.

Who wouldn’t appreciate such a friend? Now, here’s the important question . . . Are you that kind of friend?

Relationships do best when handled with care. Bursts of anger can cause mistrust. Selfish actions are hurtful, no matter how positive the words spun by the perpetrator.

Keep love’s Gorilla Glue handy. Apply it with a spirit of forgiveness. I have found it helpful in maintaining long-time relationships, and it has also helped firm up new ones.