Love Challenge #5

1 Corinthians 13 v 4 - 7. It reads:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


"It (love) does not boast"


I have been writing about love and the need for love in this world. I have been encouraging you (or at least I hope I am) to do random acts of kindness, be more expressive about your love and step out of your comfort zone to bring love into this world. If you have been trying some of these things you might be a little giddy about the reactions and results from your actions. People appreciate feeling loved. And this may result in us getting a little haughty, prideful or even boastful. It is interesting that this verse reads ..."love does not boast.."
 A lot of times we are easily sucked into the world of recognition. We tend to thrive on it. We do a few good things, charitable acts, kind deeds and then we can't stop talking about it.  I get it. I really do. I enjoy a pat on the back as much as the next guy. I know it feels good to be recognized for the things that we do. However, the need for recognition can easily become the purpose of the very act itself and that is where we fail. Our actions are no longer selfless, God-driven and edifying. Our acts might still produce result, someone or many may still benefit from it and it can still produce change around us. However, in God's eyes there is much more to our love than meets the eye. The purpose of our hearts, the intent behind the action matters to God. Why? Because he is doing a work in us through it. He is working on our hearts, changing us into who we need to be to fulfill our purpose.
The truth is that most of the time it is not our intention to be boastful or be recognized for what we do. We just get sucked  into that world. 
So, here is my challenge for you (and me):
A good litmus test is to do a sacrificial act of love and never EVER tell anyone (not even your spouse). By sacrificial I mean something that costs you dearly...not necessarily money...it could be time, talent, ego..but go outside your comfort zone...something you won't usually do.  Something that affects you.
It is hard but not impossible.  As we curb the urge to tell, we  are instilling God like character within ourselves. 

Love Challenge #4

1 Corinthians 13 v 4 - 7. It reads:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


The challenge this week is a little different. It is based on the verse that reads "[Love] does not envy". 
When I was first thinking of this challenge I almost dismissed it because I felt like envy was not something I really struggled with.  Giving it a little more thought changed my perspective a little.


It is true that I do not really experience envy for others' material possessions. However, in all honesty there are times when I am envious of other's state of being. If it is a time that I am going through a particular period of physical pain or hurt in my life, I find myself envious of other's physical wellbeing. Not that I wish for them to experience my pain but I long for the freedom from pain that they are experiencing.  Some days when my dear hubby Godwin and I are in "serious discussions", okay I'll admit it, crazy fights, I long for the peace and content I see in a couple taking a walk hand in hand. Again, I do not wish for their lack of happiness, it is just a longing for betterment in my situation. 


And some may argue that there is nothing wrong with that. Anyone who is sick wishes for health, anyone who is unhappy wishes for true joy etc. And to an extent I agree; but where I see the challenge I seek is in the focus of the moment.


What if when Gody and I are experiencing marital challenges, in stead of looking at someone else's happy relationship and wishing the same for me I focused on them in that moment and celebrated the love and peace they have regardless of where I am at. It may take a little training and disciplining of the mind but it is a true expression of love for someone. It might even benefit me to be in their presence to see how it is that they deal with their differences and issues.


What if when I am not at my physical best, in stead of being envious of my friend who is training for a marathon, I actually call her and encourage her. I am not only loving on her but I might be able to clear my mind of envy for the moment to actually be inspired by her motivation and hard work.


It really does take love to be truly happy for another regardless of the situation one is in. However, as has become our motto, love is a choice. You can choose to love in spite of the feeling. 
So, a challenge it is - love does not envy. 

Love Challenge #1

HAITI!

So, here is my first weekly love challenge

Give.

My pastor often says: "You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving."

So true. Love is more than a warm fuzzy feeling. Love beckons action. So I am stepping outside the "oh thats so sad" box and into the "What can I do to help?" box.

There are many disaster relief agencies that are raising resources for Haiti. I visited the site of a local church that is collecting items that they need the most in Haiti to send over to at the soonest. The deadline for collection is Wednesday. So over the next few days I will fill a box and drop it off on Tuesday evening. I will update you on my progress:)

If you have some ideas or information on how to help Haiti...leave a comment for all to read.

In case you are local and want to join in on the effort with me. Here is the list of things I will be collecting:

Medications/Medical Supplies:
Aspirin, Motrin, Benadryl, Neosporin/antibiotic cream, cough medication, ace bandages, gauze, latex gloves, thermometers, alcohol, scissors, Band-Aids and multi-vitamins.

Other items:
Small stuffed animals for children, cardboard boxes, sheets and blankets, children’s t-shirts and shorts, undergarments, socks, shoes, diapers, baby bottles and formula.

Dare to Love?

A few days ago a young friend asked me - "What is your new year resolution?" I didn't take but a moment to answer. I had been thinking of it for a few weeks now. "To Love better" I said with a grin as if just the words exiting my mouth made them magically come true. NOT. Oh if it were only that easy!

You know that feeling that bubbles within when your toddler throws herself on the floor in a tantrum at the check out stand at Target, or when a Humvee cuts you off in traffic as if the road is his backyard, or your spouse steps over the basket of laundry that you strategically placed by his side of the bed, because he still believes in the "laundry fairy". I can assure you that feeling is not love.

However, a truth has taken root in my heart. A simple yet profound truth. And I wish for it to reflect in my life - in my thoughts, in my words and in my actions.

That truth - LOVE NEVER FAILS.

You see, love is compounding in nature. It does not sit back and not act. It does not withhold. It does not go forth without effect. Love does not end.

Its going to be a challenge but not impossible.

I hope to post a small love note everyday (pray for me). Please leave comments and suggestions and even better join with me.

Dare to love?