Inspiration & Worship
Courage to Love
W
e live in a time of increasing bitterness and ugly behavior. Dissension among Americans, often exploited by our enemies, is taking a toll. “How can they be so blind?” one group cries indignantly. A different group responds with equal rancor. Dehumanizing rhetoric, dishonesty and lawlessness grow as decency gives way to hatred. At these times, and at all times, we Christians must ask ourselves whether our thoughts and behaviors are conforming to the mind of Christ or to the world’s influence. We may feel very emotional about various issues that we’re certain we’re “right” about. But nothing is right when love is absent. We need to read and obey God’s Word, tune out confusing chatter and listen to the still, small voice within us. Prayerfully. Honestly. Scripture is the place to start because Jesus Christ has already told us what to value. He tells us the first commandment is to love God with all of our strength; the second is to love other people as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:36). His commandments have nothing to do with self-righteousness and everything to do with love. But what is love? “Love is patient, love is kind,” Paul writes in Corinthians 13. “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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” When we see behavior that’s boastful or dishonest, we should reject it. When we see behavior that belittles others and glorifies self, we should know it’s wrong. When we hear words that ask us to put hatred or love of money or a powerful person above God, we shouldn’t be fooled. We’re followers of Jesus Christ. And when people sow chaos in order to obscure truth, we should condemn it. God is not the author of confusion. (I Cor. 33) Love risks all to help others. Love is true strength. Love can make itself vulnerable because its confidence is in Christ Jesus. Love never fails. (I Cor. 13:8) God gives us eyes to see truth and the courage to act upon it – with love. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14
Smart Living Fort Wayne
February 2022 • II
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