After I posted yesterday's thought I really wanted to expand. Tall Cotton made a great point in his comment that love is doing what's for the good of the other person. I think it's important to note that the other person may not agree at the time. We are always told to play "nice" and be "nice". I think there are times that you don't need to be nice. Being loving and being nice are two different things. Jesus wasn't always nice, but he always, always, showered his people with love. Being nice has a connotation of saying the things the other person wants to hear or doing what they expect you to do. Love is showing Christ to other people. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Think of Jesus in the temple turning the tables and clearing His Father's house of uncleanliness. I'm thinking those people didn't think Jesus very nice. I also don't think the Pharisees thought Him very nice to walk through the fields on Sabbath and eat the crops or contradicting almost every statement they made to Him. Jesus was teaching the truth in love. He was freeing them from sin; opening their lives up to be full.
There is an art to calling people out or challenging them to live more fully for Christ. We must be humble and learn to take criticism ourselves. We can't be rude or condescending. Our words and actions must be full of grace and mercy. We must love unconditionally. Love is not accepting the sin in our lives, it's accepting each person as a precious child of God.
I may have over simplified, but I think I could write a book on love otherwise. I would like to hear your thoughts and responses if you have any.
You're absolutely right, Leslie! There is SOOOOO much that could be said on the topic of love! I could write a sequel to your book! lol
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