Pam Boyd's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Love’

1 Corinthians 16: 14 “Do everything in love.” 

Love…it should be evident in the way we talk to others, the way we listen to others, the way we respond to others and the way we care for others. Those are just a few examples of love, but I think they are some of the most important. WHEN WE SPEAK LIFE TO OTHERS, WE SPREAD LOVE TO OTHERS.

Love matters because it matters to God. We are created in God’s image; therefore, we are called to honor others with respect and with words and actions that value them.

I have become more aware now, more than ever, that God is showing me how to be a ‘carrier’ of His love. Sure, it’s easy to love those that love me; but to love those who don’t love me back or to love those who are just so difficult to love is frustrating. For some of us, it can be very painful and disappointing. When we learn to love the unlovable, we have developed the ability to see others as Jesus does. We often are too quick to dislike or dismiss someone, but we must remember that we, too, have qualities that others may find ‘unlovable’.

Some of the best advice that I’ve ever heard is to never let an issue with someone become more important than the relationship. God tells us to work it out in Matthew 18:15-16 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.”

Even in conflict or confrontation, love is vital and must be the most important component in the conversation. I have been a moderator in many meetings where conflicts and confrontations must be resolved. I usually end those meetings with the ones in opposition praying over one another. The outcome may not end with them being best friends, but at least, they do leave the meeting better than when they arrived. J

Love is a self-less act that Jesus portrayed with dignity. As a Christ-follower and one who desires to become more like Him, it must become a self-less act for me, too.

I have come to the realization that as I get older and one year after another sneaks by, I am becoming more sensitive…maybe more sympathetic or empathetic sums up my tearful episodes of late. I can hardly watch a heartfelt commercial, tv show, or feel-good movie anymore without tears. Yes, it’s just a commercial which I’ve seen a thousand times, so… what is wrong with me?!! And this one’s a biggie…IF I see someone else crying, well, just throw me the tissue box cuz I’ll cry right with them. I wonder if all of my tearful episodes is because I’m approaching menopause, mindful I’m 43, so I’ve a got a few years to go, for sure. J Or, could it be that God is trying to show me something about His love.

I know that February is the big LOVE month and I LOVE this month and all things about LOVE. But must we limit it to just ONE month to celebrate our love for one another? I think not. If we never show our love for someone until Feb 14^th, then is that really love? I think not. If we never give a thoughtful, loving card or buy chocolates or flowers or whatever until that fateful Valentine’s Day does that count as a celebration of LOVE? I think not.

Love is in everything! It’s in the way we talk to others, the way we listen to others, the way we care for others, and the way we accept others and ourselves for who God created us to be. Those are just a few examples of love, but I think they are some of the most important. Nothing compares to God’s love for us, for sure. I mean, none of us can fathom how far the east is to the west. That’s how much He loves us! It’s never-ending, it’s unconditional, and it’s always and forever.

So through my tears and empathy of silly little commercials and tv shows who truly help people, I believe God is softening my heart to become more aware of those that need our love. Some of those have never understood or even seen love. Some do not know that our God is love and cannot understand how He could love them. I am thankful that I have always felt loved and never had to question whether I was loved or not. I had a very loving childhood, which carried with me to my adult years.

I believe now more than ever that God is showing me how to be a ‘carrier’ of His love. Sure, it’s easy to love those that love me; but to love those who don’t love me or those who are unlovable is hard. It’s frustrating and nauseating, to say the least and for some of us, it can be very painful. It’s a self-less act that Jesus portrayed with dignity. As a Christ-follower and one who desires to become more like Him, it must become a self-less act for me, too.