So wonderful to be in church this morning, with each of my children on either side of me. A beautiful, gorgeous Sunday here in SE Texas! Wonderful how it lifts your heart so to see someone there who has been unable to attend for some time! Many members out traveling on vacations, even Pastor C.W. Brother Eric filled in at the pulpit and did a fine job reminding us of Love, as defined by the Bible. As commanded by our Lord. As our greatest aim. As His greatest accomplishment.
I was so inspired and encouraged, that I am passing on to you, today, this paraphrase of mine of I Corinthians 13.
Love bears pains and trails calmly and without complaint. It is disposed to be helpful and agreeable. Love is never suspicious, distrustful or apprehensive. Love is never begrudging of what another has. Love does not call attention to oneself, exaggerate or brag. Love is not arrogant or over-bearing. It does not feel superior to others. Love is not blatantly proud. Love is never excessively or exclusively concerned with oneself without regard to others. Love is never offensive, discourteous, vulgar or abrupt. Love does not insist upon or require it's own way. Love is not quickly annoyed or angered. Love does not take offense on slight provocation. Love has no deep seated resentment, nor abides ill will. Love will hardly pay attention, nor comment, when it's rights are violated or it is treated unfairly. Love is never glad about another's rights being violated or them being treated unfairly. It is not glad when hurt is inflicted upon someone. But love rejoices when sincerity abounds and lives align with God's Will! If you love someone, you will be faithful and unswerving no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, accepting trustfully, convinced of his good and worth. You will always think the best of him, and look forward to the best for him and from him. You will always stand you ground to protect and shield them, maintaining your belief in the face of argument or hostile criticism.
Love is not a feeling, but a choice that leads to action! Love is not a noun, but a verb! It is in the doing. Love is continuous and ongoing!
But don't stop here. Get out your own favorite copy of the scriptures and read it there. Pray. Reflect. Apply. If you happen not to have a Bible in the house, there are many online you can read. Bible Gateway is just one of many good ones. Many different translations there in many different languages. Even on audio!
God bless and keep you!
Barbara
And God Bless you Barbara and thank you for that. Paula
ReplyDeleteFaith, hope and love :)
ReplyDeleteCharley
http://journals.aol.com/cdittric77/courage
Wonderful entry Barbara. Thanks so much for sharing this with us today :)
ReplyDeleteTake Care,
Louise
We can never be reminded enough. At least I can always use another reminder!
ReplyDeleteLove is something that can be hard for us to do if we try to do it on our own. Only when we allow Christ in us to love others through us does it flow in the manner in which God intended.
Hugs,
Gwynn
A beautiful entry, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletehugs,lisa jo
It's been a while since I opened a bible and read a favorite passage, and with many in the house there is no excuse not to. I also haven't been to church in forever, not sure why it's so hard to walk back in there. Maybe because one time I questioned if it was all real.
ReplyDeleteI loved this entry, thank you!!
~ Jenny
HOW TRUE, BARBARA. LOVE IS EASIER TO UNDERSTAND AND BE A PARTICIPANT AFTER WE ACCEPT JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR AND FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST.
ReplyDeleteSOMETIMES I HAVE A PROBLEM OF THAT OLD DEVIL TRYING TO PUSH AWAY THE HOLY GHOST. THE WINNING WORDS ARE, ' JESUS HELP ME'. SAM
hello friend love the sermon thanks for sharing we need to be reminded of this sometimes or at least i do hope you have a great day God bless kelley
ReplyDeleteWonderful entry my friend
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/
Thank you for sharing this with us. As I was reading it I was thinking, oh, i sometimes do this. oh i sometimes do that. and then i thought, you know, the only one who can love like this is God himself. And the rest of us merely try to follow in his huge footsteps. I believe that we learn how to love and treat one another from our parents, we either want to be just like them or nothing like them. But God sets a wonderful example for us to follow!
ReplyDeleteShermeen xx
I CORINTHIANS is the verse that I ahd engraved on my husband's head stone....If you read it, then you know my Danny....
ReplyDeleteI like your journal and have put it on my alerts.
Thanks for a great entry.
love,
Carlene