ASK ANYONE who knows me and they could tell you I am not a fan of the Beatles, but the last few days I find the phrase "love is all you need" running through the orchards of my mind. (Yes that is what I picture - rows and rows of fruit trees! ) So, why this phrase? Because more and more I am learning that the tough relationship questions that stump me, mainly require LOVE. Simplistic you say? What about those that are just determined to be difficult? The relationships that are strained? The long and the short of it is, it all comes back to love. No matter what strategy you are going to have to employ, if love is not the fuel, not the grease in the wheels, you won't get far. It all starts and it all ends with love.
The 3 (oh so frequent) times when I get in trouble are these:
The 3 (oh so frequent) times when I get in trouble are these:
- When I try to love in my own ability and personality, (which some weeks would seem to be daily.) If I don't rely on the Holy Spirit in me (Romans - He has "shed His love abroad in our hearts by His Holy Spirit" - I find myself continually professing this, making it a focal point in my mind, thanking the Father for this wonderful gift.) It is not in me in my own power to love the way I really want to, the way I really need to. But, "Christ in me, the hope of glory!"
- When I have failed to deal with issues that need resolution through discussion - this is guaranteed to make the chance of "blowing a gasket" & saying something unfortunate that you can just never take back, much more likely.
- When I forget to forgive for the little (or the big) things. Sometimes when I catch myself being short-tempered with a situation or person, all I have to do is roll back the mental video tape and I will find what is really bothering me. Then I have to deliberately forgive that debt. Sometimes I don't need the video tape. I just know what the problem is. Whatever the case - it has still GOT TO GO! There is not room in my heart for it to be healthy keeping all those things. I sure wouldn't have any friends or family if they kept all of mine (debt). Too much mercy and grace has been given me in my life for me to refuse someone else the same.
Simplistic - no - I can't in truth agree. If you have tried to love His way - then you know, it is anything but simple!
Well, right now, love dictates that I need to go prepare supper! Talk more later! I feel much better now that this is off my chest!
5 comments:
What a wonderful, though provoking post. Not simplistic at all!!
Love looks so different to so many. And how wonderful that you fix supper in love. And the pure love of Christ. Oh to learn how to do that for others.
Joyful days - Thanks. It provoked me just living it the past few days! LOL! I thought I would share the "joy", if you will
pardon me borrowing your theme!!
Carole - Thanks for dropping by!It's a good thing I do my best to fix it in love, 'cause sometimes my cooking is somewhat comical! Baking is my fav. Too bad we can't just have dessert 3 meals a day!
And the greatest of these is love...a lot more complicated than it sounds at the surface. So many different love languages. Great thought provoking post. Love it!
Just when I think I am learning to love with His love--I meet "someone".
Someone who "seems" unlovable.He uses them to pull and stretch His love so that it comes out of me even more freely.
Till the day I die I hope I never stop learning to love.I have so much to learn.
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