These things I command you, that ye love one another.
John 15:17
This is probably one of the most ignored scriptures among us Christians.
Jealousy, hatred and gossip has snuck into the Church and we seem to be okay with that.
When somebody fails at something, it's the main topic circuiting around.
When somebody sees a soul saved or finds something awesome in the Bible and they want to share it with others, it's not really all that interesting.
We live in such a perverse world that it seems we have slowly but surely went against a huge commandment the Lord asked us to do.
love one another
Charity means love.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth---
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
We've all heard this scripture a hundred times, likely in a message at church or at wedding ceremony. It's several people's favorite passage and many have it memorized or atleast know where it's at in the Bible.
suffereth long.
Christian love is enduring and suffers through many trials and tribulations.
Nowadays, we get into one little fight with our spouse and we call up our best friend and rat him/her out and make them look awful. Or worse-- we call up our parents and clue them in on how awful our spouse is being. Or, I've even heard of people going online and venting for everyone on the internet to hear about how upset they are over something they will likely get over by morning.
Nowadays, we divorce our "one and only love" when the going gets tough. We just know we deserve someone who will treat us better than what they have treated us for all these years.
and is kind.
Well. That's a simple characteristic I am attempting to teach Raylea right now, to be kind and gentle to others. But, as a toddler and as adults as we all are, it's just not always that easy.
Unless, we are allowing God to be in control of our attitudes, thoughts and words, moment by moment.
Siblings fight constantly, parents fight with their children and spouses are constantly putting each other down and nagging at one another.
I'm pretty sure we are far, far from being kind.
envieth not.
Have you ever felt discontent or had a resentful longing caused by someone else's possessions, qualities or achievements?
That person got a raise at work when you're the one who has worked so hard and never complains.
That girl has the most perfect hair, face and clothes.
Those people always have the nicest looking yard and home.
That guy can sing so good and everyone always compliments him.
That lady always has a new friend with her and seems so happy all the time.
That guy is way better at basketball than you, and you work at it all the time when it comes to natural to him.
Your best friend is always making straight A's while you barely pass each class.
That lady is in the best shape of her life while you are in your worst.
That guy always makes everyone laugh and seems to be the center of attention while you struggle to hold a conversation with others.
That woman seems to always make her husband so happy and proud while your husband is always pointing out what you do wrong or need to change.
That girl seems to always have her children under control and I can barely get mine to sit still.
The list of examples could literally go on and on.
But love doesn't envy.
The world is full of it though.
vaunted not itself, is not puffed up.
Turn on any sports channel. You're bound to hear an athlete bragging of their own accomplishments.
Look on social media. Everyone is taking #selfies.
Go to the work place. Everyone is trying to get to a higher level with a better title.
When somebody does someone else a favor, they want to parade around and let everyone know how special they are for being so kind to others.
Do you praise yourself?
Let someone else do it. Please.
Doth not behave itself unseemingly.
People are rude, often times.
It doesn't matter if it's your spouse, your best friend or your kid.
Or better yet, you.
We want to point our finger at others, especially when we're under conviction, but let's just all be honest and admit we all have the ability to be straight up rude.
seeketh not her own.
What's on your mind right now? Or what was on your mind before you started reading this?
Probably something that had to do with you.
What you're going to have for dinner.
What you're wanting to buy but don't have the money for.
What you're wanting to do with your friends this weekend.
What you're planning on doing to your hair at the next appointment.
What you're planning on decorating your home with.
What you're planning on wearing to church next week.
What you're going to do on your next vacation.
What you're going to ask for your birthday.
The society we live in today teaches us to think and act with your own self-interests in mind without regard for the needs, concerns, and desires of others.
Do you seek your own praise, profit or pleasure?
is not easily provoked.
People can say pretty mean things. Or annoying things. Or just un-thoughtful things.
It's up to you to decide to not let them provoke you, whether they mean to or not.
thinketh no evil.
This is a tough one. The world we live in has evil literally all around.
The music.
The television.
Celebrities.
Movies.
Commercials and ads on billboards or pictures in the mall.
Language that people carelessly use.
Abortion.
Abuse.
Adultery.
You must guard your mind, ears and eyes if you want to think no evil.
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.
Do you celebrate when you hear of something unfair or evil happening, or do you celebrate in Christ?
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
LOVE NEVER FAILS.
Love your enemy. That person who did you wrong and everyone knows it, love them.
Love them even if they said awful things about you and you know it to be true. LOVE them.
Love your spouse. Sure they aren't perfect, but neither are you.
Love your parents. Maybe you haven't spoken to them in 20 years or maybe the last words you had with them involved the words, "I hate you." Call them up, write them a letter, fly to their state and drive up to their house. Tell them you love them. One day, they won't be here for you to talk to.
Love your kids. Maybe they have hurt you worse than you thought possible. Forgive them. God forgave you. You need to forgive them and stop holding the past over their head.
Love your siblings. You may not have them in 10 years to just "hang out with." So stop being so busy with work, school, traveling, life... and just spend time with them and get along.
Love your friends. Maybe they have the car, home, kids, spouse and life you dream of having.
If that's the case, I take you back to that part of the verse that says love doesn't envy. Be happy for them! Ask God to show you all the blessings in your life and he will help you to have a thankful heart. Not full of envy and jealousy. Those things will destroy a relationship.
Love your neighbor. Invite them to church. Let them see God in you outside of church so that they will want what you have! Wave at them and smile when you pass their home whether they wave and smile back, or not!
Love God. He is the only way you will know how to love. Accept Him. Accept His love for you.
Then, my friend, you will truly learn how to love yourself and others.
By the way... I love you!
