Love
Remember, when all else fails, choose love. Make sure that you “put on” love, like a favorite fleece, amidst all your tasks, efforts and accomplishments. If you act like a jerk, yet accomplish everything on your list, you are still a jerk. If you treat others like garbage, but “get the job done,” you are still a jerk. When all is said and done, literally at the end of your life on earth, all that really matters is love.
“I’m bankrupt without love! Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.” (1 Corinthians 13:3-7 The Message)
There may be planes to catch and bills to pay, there may be deadlines to meet and decisions to make; your life and work are very important, but not as important as love. God loves you through all the circumstances of your life. He knows your challenges and He cares for you beyond how hard you push yourself and judge yourself to get things done. So, you can relax and care for people and be present with them along the way. Do what you need to do, but do it lovingly.
Watch your tone of voice. Consider others in the best light. Help others to succeed by taking the time to find out what that means for them. Look for what God might be doing rather than trying to make it all work by your extra forceful efforts. Act lovingly, with the love of God, toward others. Cry out for His help in the name of Jesus as you seek to love. He will be there for you and He will love through you.
Seeking to be loving with you,
Pastor Tom Griffith
