How to Honor the Most Important Commandments

Jesus took the 10 Commandments and in two short statements told His followers about the importance of loving and why it is the most important commandment. #Jesus #Commandments #Faith #BibleStudy #Prayer #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

How important is it that you and I obey the commandments?
Is there a “most important commandment?”

You must not have any other god but me.
You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind.
You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and mother.
You must not commit adultery.
You must not steal.
You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.
Exodus 20:3-17

One day, a Pharisee, who was considered an “expert in religious law, tried to trap Jesus” with the following question:

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Matthew 22:36

Notice he really didn’t want Jesus’ answer so he could better obey God. He wanted to engage Jesus in one of their favorite past times – self-righteous debate through rule qualifying.

But once again, Jesus understood their true motives. So, He simply summarized God’s Commandments in two short sentences…

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-–40

God is perfect unfailing everlasting love. If you and I want to honor and obey Him . . . love is the answer.

And because of sin, because of our self-centered selfishness it is impossible for us to love the way God wants without His Spirit’s help and we only have His Spirit’s help when we repent of that self-centered selfishness and surrender ourselves to the saving grace of Jesus.

To read more about what it means to love God with your “all” go to – How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength.

And to read more about the meaning of loving others as you love yourself, check out – How to Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself.

But first, let’s go to the Lord…

A Prayer to Honor the Most Important Commandments

Father, thank you for Your perfect unfailing everlasting love. Thank you for generously demonstrating Your love by sending Jesus to suffer the punishment I deserved.

Please forgive me. I am selfish and self-centered. I fail every day to trust and love You completely. I stubbornly do things my own way. I listen to the shouts of the world and I worry. And I fall so far short of loving others the way You want me to.

Please help me. Teach me Your truth that I might fight back against the enemy’s lies. Help me hold Your promises in my heart that I might trust and follow Your will. Fill me with Your love that I might love others in ways that glorify You.

May it forever be my heart’s desire to love You and others as my loving response to all the grace, mercy, and LOVE you have given to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It’s hard, isn’t it? It’s not in our human nature to love like Jesus. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can proclaim with John:

All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

We love each other because He loved us first.
1 John 4:15–16, 19

May God’s love be the first thing people see in us and the last thing they remember about us.

On today’s note write:

LOVE is the Most Important Commandment!

Take a moment to read all of Matthew 22 here.

God be with you today and may He fill you until you overflow with His love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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How to Stop Judging People So You Can Love Like Jesus

8 / 10 / 208 / 10 / 20

Judging people with whom we disagree seems to be a way of life but what if we could love like Jesus and actually influence hearts and minds with compassion? #socialmedia #judgingpeople #don'tjudge #compassion #countingmyblessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Self-righteousness is an attitude of moral superiority that is derived from the idea that a person’s beliefs, actions, or affiliations are of greater virtue than those held by anyone who doesn’t hold to the same beliefs and attitudes.

Or to say it more succinctly – self-righteousness says I’m right and therefore superior to anyone who disagrees with me.

But I have a question for you…

Have you ever been judged by someone because of your appearance, something you’ve done, a rumor, or a simple misunderstanding? Have you ever had someone assume things about you without ever talking to you?

Have you ever made assumptions and judgments without pausing to care?

Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking or even saying:

Shame on them . . .
How could he . . .
I can’t believe she . . .
I would never . . .

I wish I could say I’ve always been consistently caring and compassionate with everyone but I can’t.

The thing is . . . nothing destroys our ability to love others the way Jesus commanded than our sin-labeling and finger-pointing.

Sin-labeling decides which sins are the “big ones.” The ones we need to call out and judge. And of course, those sins are the ones we don’t think we do. The ones that make us feel comfortable picking up our judgmental word stones and throwing them at one another with all our might.

But Jesus said:

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
Matthew 7:1–2

I don’t know about you but . . . I don’t want God to judge me the same way I’ve judged others. I want Him to cover me with His grace, mercy, compassion, and love.

And He does.

I don’t want other people to judge me either. I want them to look past the surface, the rumors, and assumptions. I want them to care enough to get to know me without sizing me up and writing me off.

But the only way I can is with God’s help. Jesus not only tells us to cover one another with grace, mercy, compassion, and love, He gives us what we need to do so through the in-dwelling of His Spirit. He pours so much love into each us that by His grace there is plenty for us to pour over the lives of others if we’ll only let Him.

So, let me ask you a question…

Are you comfortable being judged the way you judge others? Are you comfortable with the comments you make on social media about people and politicians in the news . . . people you’ve never talked with or even met personally.

I’m uncomfortable with labeling and hurtful comments that are being made about those who don’t follow Jesus, but I grieve when believers point fingers and throw word stones at each other.

Why are we happy when others fall? Why do we delight in pointing out their flaws? Why doesn’t it break our hearts and drive us to our knees? Why are we so quick to add labels like hypocrite or Pharisee to our brothers and sisters and refuse to see those same qualities in ourselves?

Somehow because Jesus publicly called out the “Pharisees” and hypocrites . . . many Christians believe it’s okay for them to do the same. But it’s not!

Jesus knew the hearts of men, and He was and is sinless. You and I are sinners who are incapable of knowing someone else’s heart and mind. We can’t know a person’s thoughts, beliefs, background, wounds, or motivations.

We have one job!

To love others for God’s glory!

That’s it!

Love is our job. Love is our calling. Love is God’s command to us.

Self-righteous judging of others comes from pride but if we’re really being honest, you and I have nothing to be proud of when it comes to sin. God does not grade us on a curve. We are all sinners saved by grace alone!

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 15:11

So, maybe it’s time for us to focus more on loving people like Jesus and stop judging them for Jesus.

Peter said…

God had chosen [us] in advance to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with [Jesus] after He rose from the dead.And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.
Acts 10:41–42

Jesus is the only one God has given the authority to judge people. He has commanded the rest of us to show people the blessing of trusting Jesus for forgiveness and freedom forever. I believe there are some things you and I can do…

How to Stop Judging People So You Can Love Like Jesus

1. Stop believing stereotypes – Don’t believe generalizations and groupthink. Refuse to believe that all people of any race, background, or religion all think alike. So you can really…

2. Stop and get to know people – We often judge too quickly. We judge the character of the person based on an individual word or action. If we haven’t shared their experiences it is impossible for us to understand their choices.

I’m not saying we should approve of every behavior but I believe we are called to care about the person behind the behavior.

3. Avoid the social media bandwagon – I know it’s tempting to add your opinions and rants to a post on social media . . . but please don’t do it. Just don’t! When you and I publicly condemn and shame anyone we are not loving like Jesus. He didn’t call out those who were sinners . . . He called out the self-righteous.

So, if we want to love like Jesus we need to…

4. Make kindness and compassion the goal – I have made it my goal to remember that no matter who it is—a political leader, a public figure, a friend, or even a complete stranger . . . I don’t know all the facts and details. And because I can’t know their hearts, minds, and motivations . . . I need do my best to lead with kindness and compassion.

I want to love them with the love of Jesus.

Finally, let’s take a look at what James, Jesus’ half-brother, had to say”

Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?
James 4:11–12

And the Life Application Bible Notes add the following:

Jesus summarized the law as love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God’s law. When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love…

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we stopped judging people and offered caring compassion to those with whom we disagreed? What if rather than judging them we reached out to them and pointed them to His Word of truth? What if we showed them Jesus?

May we make that our prayer and our heart’s desire.

And just a couple of quotes to consider:

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” ~ Augustine

“Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.”

And…

“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” ~ Rick Warren

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Verses to Pray When You Need Help to Love God More

5 / 15 / 205 / 15 / 20

Even when you and I want to love God more by showing Him our love perfectly 100% of the time, we can't. But He loves us so much we can pray & ask Him to help. #Prayer #LoveGod #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Do you ever feel frustrated with yourself when you read…

Jesus said, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”
Mark 12:29–30

I don’t know about you, but I fall so far short of the “all” part.

All my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength … that’s 100% intentional love and focus 24/7. That’s ALWAYS!

And that’s where I fall short. It’s what I want! I want to obey Him. I want to show Him how much I love Him by trusting and obeying His will consistently but like Paul, I miss that mark way too often.

I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Romans 7:18–19

And even when what I do is right, I’m often guilty of doing it with the wrong motives. And I know the loving Him with my “all” falls short!

I’m not telling you this so we can both sit around and wallow in the guilt of our failures. I don’t believe that’s what God wants for us. I believe this realization is supposed to do two things in us.

Send us running to Jesus.

Look what Paul said next…

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24b–25a

And 2. Ask God for the Holy Spirit to help us change.

Jesus promised…

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
John 14:15–16

Isn’t that awesome!

When you and I recognize our sins and run to Jesus in repentance … He not only forgives us but He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us in the future.

And although we will never trust and obey Him perfectly this side of heaven … He will never stop forgiving us and giving us what we need through His Spirit.

And that’s why we don’t have to wallow in guilt … Jesus carried it all to the cross. You and I can surrender it all to Him and rejoice because…

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

So, I’m praying today and asking God to:

Help me quickly run to Jesus each time I fail.
Fill me with the Spirit, my Helper, that I might more faithfully love Him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Verses to Pray When You Need Help to Love God More

Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him.
1 John 2:5

Oh, Father, this is a hard word. It’s easy to say we trust You for salvation but harder to live in obedience. And it’s impossible to perfectly obey because I don’t perfectly love.

The 10 Commandments can be summed up in … loving You and loving others. Jesus said that to love is the “Greatest Commandment.” And I know I don’t love perfectly. I don’t show You my love through obedience and I don’t show others my love … I can so easily become selfish and prideful. I’m sorry. Please forgive me and help me. I want to love You with every part of me all the time. I want to love like Jesus.

“Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Luke 7:48, Luke 15:10

Father, Thank you! You are faithful to forgive. Always!

And what a wonderful word! The angels rejoice when I repent! You forgive me and the angels rejoice. It simply doesn’t get any better than that! There are no words to fully express my gratitude. And this is why my heart’s desire is to trust and obey You faithfully. Please help me!

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever … for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
John 14:15–16, 17b

Father, I do love you and I want to keep your commands. I want to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and I want to love people like Jesus loved them. It makes me sad when I realize how far short I fall of my own goal … I know I’m not even close to Yours.

So, I run to You. I lay my failures at the foot of the cross and ask that You will forgive me through Jesus. I’m so sorry! And Lord, I want to do better in the future. Will you please fill me with Your Spirit and give me all I need to love, trust, and obey as You want. Help me keep my heart and mind focused on You and trust that if You ask anything of me … You will give me everything I need to obey You in love.

I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.
Ezekiel 36:26–27

Father, what an amazing promise! You take my stubborn prideful selfish heart of stone and replace it with a heart that loves You and wants to live by Your commands.

I am so well aware that I can’t love and obey You well in my own strength. But with Your Sprit’s help … everything changes. You give me everything I need to live in Your love each day. Help me faithfully SEEK to KNOW Your TRUTH. Help me walk in Your love. Help me love You and show Your love to others in ways that will give You glory.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Romans 8:26–27

This promise gives me hope, Father! Thank you!

Thank you for your Spirit who not only guides and directs me according to Your will but He goes to You on my behalf and tells You my needs. Your Spirit knows my every need and the intentions of my heart. Good and yes, even the not so good. And He pleads for me … telling You what I need to grow closer to You. He knows exactly what I need to be able to love You with all my heart and soul, my mind and my strength.

There really are no appropriate words to fully express my gratitude. Thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit to help me. Thank you for Your grace and mercy to help me focus my heart and mind on You. Thank you for helping me love You more and more each day. You are my greatest blessings! Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

We need help to love God more.

And when you and I reach that place where we recognize that we want to love God more we typically also come to the realization that we can’t do it on our own. The Good News is we don’t have to.

Our past is forgiven through Jesus. And our future is blessed through the gift of His Spirit to help us.

So, stop today and give it all to the Lord in prayer … all your faults and failures, humbling admitting that you aren’t capable of loving perfectly on your own. Then rest in the truth that when you want to love God more … He is perfectly able to give you everything you need.

May you be blessed today by His grace as you live for His glory!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Jesus is the One Who Can Unite People in a Call Out World

6 / 10 / 196 / 10 / 19

Is it okay to call out all the people with whom we disagree? What about other Christians? I've challenged myself to find out what the Bible says. #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #SocialMedia #CountingMyBlessings

Eight years ago, I spent the months of June and July updating my passport, getting the required vaccines, and trying to figure out what in the world I should pack. Each day spent getting ready to travel to Bolivia as a member of the World Vision Bolivia Bloggers Team.

I was considerably older than the rest of the team’s members and I definitely had the smallest platform … I’m still in awe of the ways God worked to graciously allow me to go on this life-changing trip.

If you’re curious about the trip itself … you can learn more here.

The trip itself is not the reason for this post.

You see, the reason I’m writing this is … I met Rachel Held Evans that week.

I chose not to speak out while she was ill and following her death. But recently, I’ve felt the Lord’s nudge to share some thoughts with you.

Not as much thoughts about Rachel as thoughts about the rest of us.

You see, I struggle with being judgmental. There is something self-righteously satisfying about stopping to call out the people we deem”false teachers.” The people we believe are doing or say “it” wrong. Whatever we decide “it” is.

Honestly, I caught myself being guilty again just the other day.

So, I’m definitely not here to preach at you. Like you, I’m on a journey of faith … honestly sharing the things the Lord lays on my heart. They are things I need to hear and so I wonder if you might need them too.

Back to Bolivia and meeting Rachel…

Rachel and the others in the group were the ages of my children. Their life experiences differed from mine in almost every way. Although, I probably shared my thoughts with them more than I’d like to admit … I hope I asked lots of questions and listened intentionally because several of their ideas were new to me and I wanted to know more.

Rachel was in the middle of writing her book – A Year of Biblical Womanhood.

The following is the first paragraph of the book’s synopsis on Amazon.

Strong-willed and independent, Rachel Held Evans couldn’t sew a button on a blouse before she embarked on a radical life experiment—a year of biblical womanhood. Intrigued by the traditionalist resurgence that led many of her friends to abandon their careers to assume traditional gender roles in the home, Evans decides to try it for herself, vowing to take all of the Bible’s instructions for women as literally as possible for a year.

I smiled as I read those words because I don’t remember Rachel, as being strong-willed, although I’ll admit I only spent a week with her.

What I do remember about her is her smile and willingness to laugh, her kindness, and her passion for the children and families we were visiting and her heart for the ministry of World Vision.

Did I agree with everything that was said that week? No.

But I cared for and about everyone on the trip … including Rachel. When I heard she was ill, I prayed and prayed and prayed that God would heal her. And it broke my heart to learn she had died.

There was something else that broke my heart…

People using that heart-breaking time to say cruel and hateful things about her on social media because they disagreed with what she wrote.

Jesus is the One Who Can Unite People in a Call Out World

So, why am I writing about this now weeks later?

Last week, the Lord tapped me on the shoulder as I was read the following in Jonah and 1 John…

Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh.

Why? Because Jonah hated the Assyrians and believed they deserved God’s judgment. Jonah had judged them and believed they deserved whatever God’s punishment.

So, when God asked him to go and “deliver the message” … Jonah took off in the opposite direction.

Which is how he found himself in the belly of a big fish.

God graciously and mercifully turned him around and gave him a second opportunity to obey. Which he did.

Jonah went to Nineveh and gave them God’s message:

“Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!”
Jonah 3:4

And do you know what happened?

The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.
Jonah 3:5

But Jonah was not happy…

“Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
Jonah 4:2

As I sat there pondering my own judgmental attitudes, I turned to my New Testament reading in 1 John 2:

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before.
1 John 2:7

So, my heart was hearing … don’t judge people—love them!

I kept reading…

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.
1 John 2:9

The Life Application Bible Notes say:

John’s words focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants, competitors, or enemies. Christian love is not a feeling but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with people’s well being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection toward them.

And I would add, whether or not we agree with them.

The LAB Notes also say:

Love should be the unifying force and identifying mark of the Christian community. Love is the key to walking in the light.

Friends, you and I are representing Jesus to the world. Why would anyone want what we have … when we publicly ridicule, condemn, and call out those with whom we disagree.

When we don’t agree, you and I are called to speak the truth in love.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15

Maybe we need to be more focused on love because too often we forget that part, choosing to speak the truth with a sledgehammer.

What if speaking the truth in love looked more like…

Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
1 Peter 2:15b–16

What if we did a better job of humbly telling our own broken stories that share the transforming power of God’s love!

What if we just told people about Jesus, the One who not only knows the truth but who is the Truth and the Way and the Life.

You see, He’s the One who prayed..

Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, You have given me Your name; now protect them by the power of Your name so that they will be united just as we are.
John 17:11

He prayed for us to be united by His love and I want to honor Jesus’ prayer.

So, I’m asking God to give me eyes to see everyone as a soul desperately in need of His love. I’m asking Him to make me gracious and merciful in the way I treat others. I’m asking Him to help me listen more and call out less.

Because…

I don’t want people to know the truth according to Deb. I want people to know Jesus and experience the power of His transforming love.

1 John 4:8 says:

God is love!

Overwhelming love! Love who never gives up … who mercifully and patiently seeks out people and transforms lives.

Love who can unite people in a broken and sinful world. Love who can heal hearts and relationships. Love who has promised us LIFE!

I want to care more about people and less about being right. I want to treat everyone with caring kindness and compassion. And I want to be silent when I’m tempted to call out.

I’m praying with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do a better job of loving like Jesus.

Will you please pray with me?

Father, thank you for faithfully showing me Your grace, mercy, and love. Please, please forgive me for failing to extend the same grace, mercy, and love to others. Please help me realize that I don’t have to agree with someone to be respectful, caring, and compassionate. Help me to be a better example of Your love in my home, at work, at church, in my community, and online. Unite us, Father, by Your love. In the name of Jesus. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Day 13 – God, Help Me Love Like Jesus Loved

12 / 4 / 1812 / 4 / 18

Jesus said the second “most important command” is to, “love your neighbor as You love yourself.” Matthew 22:39

I don’t know about you … not often, but occasionally, I can get to the end of the day and feel like I’ve loved “my people” pretty well.

But then there are those other days, those “not often” days.

And there are far too many of those days … when I don’t love “my people” well and I don’t even want to talk about the people who aren’t on my people “list.”

I want to do better. I need to do better! Maybe you do too.

Will you pray with me..?

God, Help Me Love Like Jesus Loved

Father, I need Your help.

Your Son, Jesus said:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

A commandment that falls right next to loving You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength … is loving like Jesus loved.

Father, that means You want me to love…

Compassionately. Matthew 14:14
Sacrificially. John 15:13
With humility, patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Ephesians 4
Without favoritism or prejudice. James 2:8–9
Unconditionally. Colossians 3:14
Even my enemies. Matthew 5:44

I really want to love like Jesus because I know it’s what You want, what You command. People are just really hard to love sometimes.

I know, that doesn’t surprise You!

But then again, Your command doesn’t say I’m to love when it’s easy.

You commanded me to love like Jesus loved.

Please help me! Please make me more like Jesus.

Help me look beyond my “self” and see people as He saw them.

Jesus SAW the broken, sick, and hungry in need of healing and love. He looked beyond the surface into the person.

Jesus SAW…

The person who needed Him … a Redeemer, a Savior, a Shepherd, a King.
The person who needed … kindness, healing, help, freedom, and hope for the future.

Father, please help me look beyond the surface and not only see the need but help me see in every person I meet … someone who is dearly loved and precious to You.

Help me see Jesus in them and love as if I’m loving Him.

Jesus also said, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35–36

And when asked how that’s possible, He replied…

“I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:40

That is loving like Jesus!

It’s seeing everyone as “the least of these.” For the truth is, we are all hungry, thirsty, and in need. We all need Your love.

So, by Your grace, may I surrender my “self” and look beyond the surface. May I serve others like I’m serving You.

Help me love like Jesus loved.

I ask this in His name. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

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How to be a Better Listener When You Just Want to be Heard

10 / 8 / 18

Last week, I told you that I have opinions … lots of them.

I’m also a Sanguine talker.

Combine those facts you might assume that it’s taken me a long time and more than one bloody tongue to learn that I don’t need to share my views on everything with everyone. And you’d be right!

Something I’ve learned from my bloody tongue experiences is that as much as I feel the need to be heard and want to change the opinions of the people around me … my relationships benefit and I’ve actually learned a thing or two when I’ve shut up and listened!

At a time when more of us are talking than listening, I thought it might be helpful for me to honestly share my journey … because in all honesty, I didn’t get here easily!

6 Ways to be a Better Listener

♥ Listen without Assumptions

It’s so easy to assume that we know how someone thinks based on their skin color, gender, religion, or where they live. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made by God.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Psalm 139:13–14

Each person is dearly loved by God and precious to Him.

You are a child of God, you are wonderfully made, dearly loved, and precious in His sight. Before God made you, He knew You. There is no one else like you. ~Unknown (based on Psalm 139 and Col. 3:12)

It takes time to get to know people individually but it’s important … really important.

♥ Listen without Judgment

Everyone you meet has a story and every story has its painful broken chapters.

I’ll admit, I’ve had more times than I care to admit when I was quick to judge people whose lives were a mess. Back when I was doing everything I could to be a “good girl” and “do life RIGHT,” I was quick to assume that life’s messes were caused by personal bad choices. Although that’s true sometimes … it’s not true always!

Boy, was I humbled when my mess was exposed to public view and I felt the scrutinizing judgment of others.

God allowed me to learn a huge lesson the hard way…

“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36–37

You and I can give the gift of listening with kindness and compassion. We can make it safe for people to share their stories of brokenness by showing them the love of Jesus.

♥ Listen to Understand

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The collective monologue is everyone is talking and no one is listening.” ~ Stephen Covey

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we really listened and asked questions to understand before we replied to people?

Everyone looks at life through a lens of their own personal perspective … a lens that takes years to shape and polish. They have well-developed long-standing reasons for their beliefs.

I want to do a better job of listening to understand by asking “why” and “please help me understand” questions. I want to keep conversations going and learn the reasons behind the beliefs and opinions people hold.

♥ Listen to Learn

I still have so very much to learn. In fact, the longer I live and the more I learn … the more I realize just how little KNOW.

Sure my wise mentors and teachers have taught me tons but I’ve also learned a lot by listening to hurting friends and the heartfelt stories of complete strangers.

God is at work in lives, friends! When you and I listen to each other with a desire to learn, we benefit from His work in every life.

Tell your story and encourage the people you meet to tell you theirs!

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. Proverbs 22:17

♥ Listen Respectfully

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interest but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4

Whew, we could go a long way in the respect department at the moment, couldn’t we?

Truthfully, those other people really need to do a better job of being respectful! (Sense my sarcasm?)

If you’re like me, it’s easy to point fingers and blame those who disagree with us. But aren’t we really just trying to get that speck out of the other guy’s eye before getting the log out of my own.

“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4

Respect begins with me and it starts at home. Help us, Lord!

♥ Listen Intentionally

I don’t know whether I have ADD or I’m just easily distracted, but it’s hard for me to sit in a restaurant and not have my eyes dart around the room like I’m watching bumble bees in a garden.

I love people watching. But because I want to listen intentionally to the people I’m with … I sit with my back to the activity so I can focus on the people with me.

I also sit near the front in church or any place I want to avoid distractions.

If you and I want to listen intentionally we need to avoid distractions, put down our devices, and look at each other! Then listen without interrupting. (Yeah, that one’s hard for me too.)

I want to be a better listener!

Friends, there are so many emotional subjects on the table right now. Feelings are frayed. And sides have been taken.

But I believe you and I can make a difference. Jesus showed us a better way.

He listened. Really listened to people.

At the end of the day, which will matter more…

That people know our opinions on the most recent political conversation or social issue or that they feel the love and compassion of Christ?

Will you and I ever do it perfectly this side of heaven?

No, probably not.

But I’m not willing to quit trying to be a better listener.

And believe me, I’m a work in progress. I’m still just trying…

The other day, we had a tech repairman visit because we were having problems with our cable box. As he asked me to try a variety of solutions, all of which I’d done earlier, my replies became more agitated and impatient.

Then I had one of those Holy Spirit moments of conviction. I had not listened well nor had I been respectful or compassionate.

But this time…

I caught myself and apologized. We ended up having a good conversation.

Now I need to work on my responses to the poor people who happen to pick up my phone call at the end of a long phone tree. Yep, like you, I’m still a work in progress.

And the truth is we’re all agitated, some say they’re even frightened. Everyone believes they know the truth and want to be heard.

This may just be the perfect time for you and me to make a difference by being a better listener even when we just want to be heard.

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There is Only One Way You Can Destroy Hate

8 / 14 / 178 / 28 / 20

As we entered into a time of confession and repentance in our worship service yesterday morning, our pastor encouraged each of us to repent of the sin of silence. He said that too many of us have been silent for too long when it comes to calling out hatred around the world, in our nation, and even in our own neighborhoods.

Guilty!

I bowed my head and asked God to forgive me.

You see, I don’t like negativity. And I HATE hatred. I want life to be sunshine and lollipops. I want everyone to just be nice and get along.

Yes, I’ve been accused of looking at life through rose-colored glasses.

I don’t know if that’s true. I see the ugliness and it upsets me but I try hard not to live focused on it because when I do . . . it frightens me.

So, as I sat there in prayer asking God to tell me what He wanted me to say about the hatred we saw played out in Charlottesville over the weekend and throughout the country in past months, this is what I heard Him whisper.

“Do not be afraid!”

Tell people not to be afraid.

Hate is said to be the opposite of love. Did you know fear is considered an opposite for love, too? And hate and fear are closely linked.

Hate can begin with a…

Fear of losing power.
Fear of being disrespected.
Fear of not being valued.
Fear for personal safety.
Fear of change.
Fear of differences.
Fear of subjugation.
Fear for survival.

When you and I are afraid, we want someone or something to blame. Someone or something to label the source of the problem.

And that’s what I see playing out across our nation.

People are afraid and because they’re afraid they’ve replaced listening and loving with labeling and blaming.

This has to stop. We must destroy hate.

Because a house divided is guaranteed to fall.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. Luke 11:17

We will destroy ourselves if we don’t destroy the hatred.

Friends, we have to stop taking sides. Liberal or conservative. Right or left. Traditional or progressive. We have to stop taking political sides and start standing up for the truth found in and through Jesus! When we shout political rhetoric from the rooftop we are allowing ourselves to be used as pawns of evil.

This is not about politics! It’s about people!

And inside, people all want the same things.

Love
Respect
Education
Opportunity
Safety
Freedom
Happiness
Security
Peace
Happiness

Inside we’re way more alike than we are different. So, why do we allow fear bring out so much ugliness in us?

What’s the answer?

There is Only One Way You Can Destroy Hate

Love

I know it’s obvious and maybe a little trite but bear with me.

Love is the only thing that will destroy hate. Not warm fuzzy feel good pie in the sky by and by love . . . but real get down and dirty help each other love.

Not love the feeling but the action. Love with hands and feet.

How do we do that?

We follow Jesus example!

1. Jesus spent time with people.

People who looked like Him and people who didn’t. Some were easy to love and some weren’t. It didn’t matter their skin color or position, their amount of wealth or their age . . . Jesus spent time with people.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 4:1–2

2. Jesus cared about people.

He did what He could . . . He fed them. Healed them. Forgave them. Taught them. Laughed and cried with them.

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

3. Jesus served people.

If there ever lived someone who could have expected people to serve Him – it would have been the King of kings and Lord of lords and yet, He gave us an example of humility. Humble service patiently lifting up those in need . . . whether it is providing a meal, lending a hand or listening ear, financially supporting those in need, caring for orphans and widows, etc.

Serving is humble love in action.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13–14

4. Jesus forgave people.

I know, it’s easy to say yeah but look at the past. Look at what they did. Remember how they acted.

I understand it’s tempting to want to make people pay for their past offenses. But friends, if God asked us to pay for our past offenses we’d all be doomed for eternity. Instead, God loved us so much…

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 8:8

And…

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:10–11

The truth is . . . I can’t love like Jesus and I’m guessing you can’t either but that’s NO REASON NOT TO TRY!

It’s what we’ve been called to…

But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20–21

So, I’m not going to be silent.

I will boldly say hatred of people is sin. So is violence, lying, manipulation, selfishness, gossip, envy, etc.

Jesus defeated sin, death, and evil with His love on the cross. Ans His love is the only way you and I can defeat the sin of hatred and all the ways it shows itself in our lives.

By His grace and with His help, we can do better at this loving thing especially when we remember it is the only thing able to destroy hate and defeat fear.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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Whatever It Takes Challenge

2 / 15 / 132 / 26 / 13

The last time Rev and I stayed at a Marriott Hotel there was a card on the nightstand which read:

“W.I.T. – Whatever it Takes. Simply dial ’10.’ Our goal is that every guest leaves satisfied.”

I think it’s a great goal for a business, but….

If every person, the operative word being every person, made it a goal to do whatever it takes to make their relationships mutually satisfying and blessed.

Think about it….

Every:

wife would faithfully show love and respect.
husband would consistently show love and understanding.
employee would work hard and do their best always.
employer would lead wisely, praise often, and pay well.
child would be loving, obedient, and respectful.
parent would be loving, patient, nurturing, and wise.
service provider would work hard and stay cheerful.
customer would be kind and appreciative.

I’m sure we could go on and on.

What Does Love Look Like – Part 2

2 / 12 / 132 / 17 / 13

^“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35

Not a request or a suggestion, but a commandment. A commandment to love each other because that’s how the world will know we are Jesus disciples.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 the specifics of what it looks like to love like Jesus:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proudor rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. v. 4-7

If you’re like me, these verses make you feel guilty. I can think of a gazillion times when I haven’t lived with Jesus like love, when I’ve stubbornly wanted my way, haven’t been patient or kind, and wore irritability with pride. Ugh.