………..People love me!

Computer Art by our Granddaughter, Julia Adamson, at age 7.

Yes, I believe that with all my heart. I know, I know, that’s one of the characteristics of my personality……”Everybody loves me”…….! But I believe it. People are wonderful and full of love, and that is an amazing thing. Of course, there are exceptions, but love conquers a lot of obstacles.

Today in my daily Bible reading I read 1 Corinthians 13. Paul, the Apostle speaks of the supremacy of love over all the other spiritual gifts. Interesting…but once I think about it I realize the truth in that statement.

In verses 4 through 8b, Paul describes 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 trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Think now; what or who do you love so much that Paul’s description of love fits? Your husband, your children, your parents, your friends, your pets…..think about it. Carefully consider each of the fifteen or so characteristics he lists.

For instance; “..it is not easily angered”. Would that describe your reaction to your children, or your neighbors, or your friends?

OR how about;

“…it keeps no record of wrongs”. Yikes! That hurts! I have an incredible memory which works well for me most of the time, but really convicts me far too often….when I rehearse in my mind things that have “wronged” me.

OR one more;

“….it is not rude”.  Think of that special someone or group you love so much. How would you feel if someone else was “rude” to them. Very defensive, I would imagine.

I’ve been asked, (since I’m so old) to state what I consider the most important advice I can give for raising children. My answer: Teaching them about our Lord, modeling a Christ-like life in front of them, but most of all loving them.

Children are amazing. They love you if you love them. Isn’t that true? They can put up with so much dysfunction and difficulties as long as you love them. Truly amazing. Could it be that the same is true of us adults?

A random thought: When I was growing up and spotted some boy I liked, I knew early on that to get him to like me, I had to let him know that I like him. It always worked. Don’t laugh! I know some of you know how I met my husband.

Later Paul sums up his message on love in 1 Corinthians 16:13:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [women] of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

He comes back to love as being extremely important. This is God’s Holy Word, so maybe we should put love as a priority in our lives, too.

‘Til He Shouts!

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