Guiding Light!
Love!
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 record 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 13:4-8a
I have read this passage many times and even committed it to heart and memory, but it never really hit home until this morning when reflecting on a situation that occurred the other night. I was using all of these attributes as an emotion instead of an attitude.
Many people like myself don't have a clue what love really is all about. It is not a feeling, it is an "attitude." Basing love on emotions has caused me immeasurable pain. Emotions are like building a snow fort, it looks solid and secure until the sun comes up and warms it and it is gone like the emotions I was feeling.
Feelings come and go. When I base any relationship solely on feelings I am asking for trouble. As I reflect on the past I can now see how I have based some relationships on feelings, I was like a sailor in a sinking ship not even knowing it was sinking until I was in the water.
The Bible offers a different kind of love. This love says I am committed to act lovingly toward this person despite how I feel. When I let my feelings get in-between my love for a person it can damage it severely. We can recognize God's love, it is patient, unselfish, and loyal. It doesn't keep score, it assumes the best, it gives without seeking in return, it always seeks to honor God. Feelings change, feelings don't last, but God's love is eternal.
Heavenly Father, it is our prayer today that you will take us beyond the world's way of loving so that we may love others the way you love us. Forgive us Father for letting our feelings get in control of our love instead of our attitude controlling our love. Teach us Heavenly Father to not only hear your words of instruction but to put them into our heart and into our actions that we may be a pleasing servant to you. Thank you Father for the Agape love you have for us, even though we are undeserving you still love us. You demonstrated your own love towards us while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Praise be to you!........in Jesus name we pray.........amen
In Christ's Service,
Kenny Millhouse
kenny@guidinglightministry.com
http://guidinglightministry.com
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