People seem to be fascinated with the subject of self-love lately. Even in the faith community, we’ve bought into the idea that we can’t love others well until we love ourselves well. After all, Jesus said: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:39 But I wonder if putting self-love first doesn’t tempt us…
“Do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 Paul wrote these words as part of his final instructions in his first letter to the church in Corinth. The Greek word for love in this verse is “agape” . . . love that is: Unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born…
Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not Suzie Sunshine every day. I know, shocking right?! But like you, I have days when I’m… Frustrated. Annoyed. Upset. Tired. Discouraged. _________. And even on a good day, it only takes one or two interactions with difficult people to make my sunny day gloomy. So,…
The enemy of our souls would like us to be divided by race, nationality, ethnicity, etc. But God has given us a way to end racism—a way to be united by love.
I’ve learned there’s a word that is a notorious lightning rod known for inflaming emotions and prompting strong verbal reactions. What’s the word? Submission! I once brought it up with a group of individuals who were half my age and I thought their heads were going to explode. Many think it’s an archaic idea that…
It’s long been called the “love chapter,” one that has been shared at countless weddings over the years… Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or 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…
It was a clash of two completely different cultures that first presented a huge challenge to the early church. Gentiles (non-Jews) were putting their faith in Christ Jesus in large numbers. And many Jewish Christians were willing to welcome them into the church but only after the Gentiles conformed to their legalistic religious traditions and…
I had an AHA moment not too long ago … I realized Christians often get something wrong. At least, I know I occasionally get it wrong. What’s it? Obedience. We get obedience wrong when our motives are wrong. (Wait, don’t leave now. I promise, it’s a good thing to obey anyway but we’ll talk about…
It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing. Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder… How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks? THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding? But before full-on panic sets in and I…
Culture looks at love as a feeling. But the Bible describes it as so much more than the way we feel. Jesus had some things to say about love … both God’s and ours.
I had another post written for today but… Yesterday morning after church, my Bible study time included 1 Corinthians 13. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others,…
If you are a writer or blogger, I have a question for you. Who do you picture as you write? In writing courses, this imaginary person represents your ideal reader or customer. Some call it writing for your “avatar.” You create this imaginary person by determining your ideal reader’s… Goals and values. Sources of information….
