Have you ever experienced loss, disappointment, and betrayal? Do you ever wonder the odds that out of a billion people worldwide, you were the one chosen to experience the downfalls you are experiencing today? So many questions run around our thoughts, rummaging through the depths of our sanity. But, above all else, Love.
In times of doubt and despair, we must never forget that our God, with all His goodness, loves us for who we are. Hence, here are a few reminders for you to keep in mind:
– We love because He first loved us. -1 John 4:19
Our God never fails us, for He has made us in His image and likeness. As such, we are given the gifts of understanding, empathy, Love, and life. In 1 John, we are reminded of this fact, we love because God loves us.
– Do everything in love. -1 Corinthians 16:14
When you do things out of hate, anger, and revenge, instances can become worse, if not a tragedy. However, when doing something out of Love, the results become tenfold. I had experienced this extraordinary zeal when I was in significant doubt. I stayed with my father throughout the frightening ordeal of Hurricane Katrina despite the longing to leave the city. However, besides suffering the consequences, the experiences we gained were gems. Likely, when we do things out of Love, we gain so much more than we could ever ask for!
– Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13
When we love, it is common for us to do so for personal motives. People frequently confuse Love with the pursuit of material wealth, monetary value, or even deep emotional feelings. However, according to John 15:13, true Love does not let anybody pursue their own desires alone. Greater Love, on the other hand, is the Love of others. As God has given us the power to love others, we are to be His instruments in spreading compassion and Love throughout the world.
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
-1 Corinthians 13:4-5
by Cheryl Hawkins
Cheryl Hawkins 