It is hard to shift the focus off ourselves. After all it is a favorite topic. Often, we can be very quick to share our experiences, what we have learned, or our opinion. I find myself sometimes not truly hearing when someone shares about themselves. I am busy planning my response or finding the answer. When I find myself doing this, I have to stop and deliberately slow down and truly listen. Listen to someone else and actually hear them, hear their heart, hear their needs. When someone shares with you, pray about your response. “God What should I say? What do they need to hear?” If we take the time to truly listen it becomes easier to love those around us. When our focus shifts from us to them, as we listen with ears that are tuned to God, we can show love to them. 1 Corinthians 13 says that “Love Is Patient” and I know that is one point in my life that needs work. So, I find that if I take those small moments when someone is sharing to be patient and hear them, it makes the next step of showing them the love of Christ easier. And when you walk in the power of the Spirit, it becomes easier to interact with those who you do not like. It is hard to love those we don't like or disagree with, but that is our calling as followers of Christ, “...to love one another as I have loved you”(John 13:34-35)
This is the call for believers, to love one another as Christ loved each and every one of us. We know that Christ died for the whole world so our love for others should start with fellow believers, but as a result, our love should then spill over to everyone, even those who oppose the word of God.
“God, I pray that today we can show love, like your love for us, to someone needing your touch. Help us be patient and bold in showing this love. In Jesus mighty name amen!”
-Pastor Joshua, Worship Art’s Pastor-
Matt 5:43-45
“43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law