It is so incredibly easy to fret and complain about the selfishness in the world today. So many people seem so self-absorbed. Of course the moment I start complaining about such things, the Lord has a way of reminding me of my OWN selfishness! So in an effort to come up with a way to improve myself in this area, I decided to study 1 Corinthians 13 again. The only problem is that I’ve read it so many times in the past, I’ve heard the scripture recited in weddings over and over, I've heard the chapter quoted by pastors so often -- that the actual verses have almost become a litany -- without anything which actually soaks through my thick head. (Okay, I admit it. I'm a slow learner when it comes to this subject!)
Therefore, below is my rendition of that chapter -- with a twist. It’s sort of what you could call the Love Chapter “according to Roberta.” Now for all you purists out there, here's my disclaimer. (You are aware that lawyers are handy with disclaimers!) I am not adding to or attempting to change scripture. This is simply my attempt to change the wording just enough -- while keeping a Biblical thought pattern -- so that maybe, just maybe, it will have an effect on my conduct.
These days when I start to get huffy or difficult to deal with -- which my husband will tell you happens all too often -- I try to remember to re-read the following. So far, it seems to be helping. I would be interested in the comments of those brave individuals who have the audacity to continue reading from this point forward:
1. Say it in love. Otherwise, you just annoy others -- every time you open your mouth.
2. No matter how spiritual you think you are, you have little value to the Kingdom of God if you don’t show love.
3. If it isn’t based on the love in your heart, all your giving and sacrificing for the Lord is cancelled out. God is NOT impressed.
4. Be patient when you’re frustrated, something goes wrong, or you don’t get what you want. It’s not all about you!
5. Be kind even when you feel like having a hissy fit.
6. Don’t feel bad against someone who seems to have things easier than you. Trust God to work things out for you at the right time -- even if it takes years.
7. It’s okay to announce it to the people you love when you feel you’ve really done something great. However, tell the bare facts WITHOUT pumping yourself up.
8. Don’t think too much of yourself. Take a fresh, close look in the mirror often -- to see who you really are.
9. When you feel like spouting off, think of Jesus sitting beside you as you begin to open your mouth.
10. Be concerned about others’ needs more than your own. Put yourself in the OTHER GUY’S shoes.
11. Hold yourself back from flying off the handle, no matter what the provocation. Love DESPITE the situation.
12. Don’t keep a mental list of the faults and foibles of others.
13. Be happy when the truth is revealed.
14. Protect others from harm. Don’t pick on them.
15. Trust God for the faults of others to be corrected. You can’t be the Holy Spirit to them.
16. Hope for the best.
17. Keep at it. Don’t give up!
18. Grow up and get over yourself!
19. Someday we’ll understand lots of things that we don’t have a clue about today. For now though, recognize that there are all sorts of things happening that you have no way of knowing about. Let God work behind the scenes on your behalf. Focus on what YOU’RE supposed to do and not on the faults of others.
I hope this helps in YOUR quest to be full of love.
God bless you,
Roberta
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you Roberta for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed.
Plez come over to my place for some chocolates! Virtual ones have nooooo calories...grins.
May you have a very HaPpY Valentine's Day and God richly Bless ya,
d
I would add one thing to #8-- The mirror isn't just that glass thing hanging on the wall or in your bathroom. The real mirror is GOD'S WORD. None of us look in there enough.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as I read the list, aside from the obvious truths shared, I thought, 'Spoken like a real Mother.' Moms (and Dads) know a lot about unconditional love.
I hope you don't mind if I copy that list out and print it. I need these reminders, especially at work. That is, by far, my toughest ground in which to sow love.
Thanks, Roberta! :)
Just to say thanks for the list. It's a great one. I especially appreciate #15. When my children were younger, I used to preach to them too much until it suddenly hit me one day that I was trying to be the Holy Spirit to them. I needed to get out of the way so that they could hear the still small voice of God for themselves. It helped so much to learn that lesson while the children were still at home, and it still helps even now that they are out of the house. I see my role as a mother and grandmother primarily as being one of being there for them when they need me, loving them, enjoying who they are, and praying for them. This doesn't mean I never offer a word of correction or advice, but I try to do so only at the bidding of the Holy Spirit, not out of my own human desire to have perfect children.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete