He is invested in us and in how we treat one another. Not just those we deem worthy, those we know and trust, those kindred souls who agree with us, those who seem to dance to the same beat, those who return kindness. Nope, true liberation comes with a heart filled with rivers of unconditional and selfless love.
Yes, love is an action word, it requires input and output to manifest its true authenticity. However, I believe the sweet spot is found in the heart. I believe that treating everyone with dignity and respect, reaching out with sincere and tender loving care, expecting nothing in return should be both our quest and our norm. I believe doing so reflects the action of love. Responding to others with hospitality and graciousness should comfort our souls.
Sure none of us always loves God or each other as we should. Things get in the way, like fear of folks misunderstanding (getting restraining orders, lol) or rejection. We are also a mighty critical and suspicious species. I understand we need to be careful and wise as folks may have poor intentions. Yes, corruption thrives, either in the potential or in the manifestation of us all. Plus, Besides the fact that we are selfish with our time, there is only so much energy and time in a day; extending love requires both of these. Even the strongest gets weary, from time to time. Lets not forget, giving a little may leave folks wanting or expecting more. Oh it just isn't as easy as putting an I love you on folks and calling it good, is it? So how do we move forward, realistically? What does extending a sustainable and healthy love look like?
Hey, I don't think I can give you a simple equation. Realistically, I think it is safe to say that we all fall short in this arena. We can take comfort, though, in the assurances of the one whose essence and nature are consumed with agape love. He can build us up to love more, to do better, to be better. He generously pours out His Love. We can seek His help. We can look to His word for guidance...
to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
Titus 3:2 NASB
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17 NASB
Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 NASB
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Philippians 2:3 NASB
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NASB
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12 NASB
In short, a life well lived requires our loving selflessly well.
Yes, love is an action word, it requires input and output to manifest its true authenticity. However, I believe the sweet spot is found in the heart. I believe that treating everyone with dignity and respect, reaching out with sincere and tender loving care, expecting nothing in return should be both our quest and our norm. I believe doing so reflects the action of love. Responding to others with hospitality and graciousness should comfort our souls.
Sure none of us always loves God or each other as we should. Things get in the way, like fear of folks misunderstanding (getting restraining orders, lol) or rejection. We are also a mighty critical and suspicious species. I understand we need to be careful and wise as folks may have poor intentions. Yes, corruption thrives, either in the potential or in the manifestation of us all. Plus, Besides the fact that we are selfish with our time, there is only so much energy and time in a day; extending love requires both of these. Even the strongest gets weary, from time to time. Lets not forget, giving a little may leave folks wanting or expecting more. Oh it just isn't as easy as putting an I love you on folks and calling it good, is it? So how do we move forward, realistically? What does extending a sustainable and healthy love look like?
Hey, I don't think I can give you a simple equation. Realistically, I think it is safe to say that we all fall short in this arena. We can take comfort, though, in the assurances of the one whose essence and nature are consumed with agape love. He can build us up to love more, to do better, to be better. He generously pours out His Love. We can seek His help. We can look to His word for guidance...
to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
Titus 3:2 NASB
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17 NASB
Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:24 NASB
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Philippians 2:3 NASB
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NASB
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12 NASB
In short, a life well lived requires our loving selflessly well.
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