Have you ever felt like your time wasn’t important or didn’t matter to someone else?
What are some things people can do to give you that impression?
Imagine having a really bad day and going to your best friend. You really need to talk or vent, but they keep texting someone or listening to their iPod while you talk. What does that communicate to you?
Have you ever been cut off on the road, in the halls at school in a line or while waiting? Does it bother you? Why?
Our actions are usually a reflection of our attitude.
(NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:13 says:
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
There are many types of love. In the Greek, Agape is the type of love refered to in this verse. Agape love is the highest and purest form of love. It is a ‘love that consumes’, or a ‘love feast’
When you experience the annoyances we talked about, are you also experiencing this form of love?
Are you aware of how your actions affect others and what that communicates?
Are you a kind hearted person? Do you generally have good intentions? Are you a follower of Christ? If so, your every thought, attitude and action should reflect that.
(NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
So when we are wronged: be patient, kind, refrain from anger, retaliation or keeping records. Forgive, persevere, and love.
And always think about your actions: are you being rude? Self-seeking (thinking about your self first)? Jealous, proud, boastful? Do the things that hurt God hurt you, or make you laugh? Are you patient, kind, a protector, hopeful, do you trust and persevere? Can you lavish others with agape love?
Think hard. Ask others who will be honest with you. Abandon being rude. Commit to love.
2009/10/27
-Karyn