Live Love Give: Humilty

Let's say we aren't quite there yet. Who is this God and why would we dare love Him?

Touche`.

I mean, seriously. One: We cannot see this God! And Two: If He exists - why are our lives not perfect?!

Point one. We cannot see this God. Agreed. Wait. Scratch that.

Maybe we can see the essence of Him.

-In the driver that let us in during traffic-

-In the 'C' achievement that took blood, sweat and tears, but still happened-

-In the battle with a health condition that did not end the way we thought it would - but we met the most wonderful, endearing friends along the way-

-In the smile of the infant - earlier than the experts say it's supposed to happen-

-in the cooler-than-usual summer day that provides a respite, just for a moment-

-In the laughter of a friend-

-In the wag of a tail-

-In the eyes of our loved ones-

Point Two. Why are our lives not perfect? Why indeed?!

Maybe they aren't meant to be. (Shudder).

-Maybe perfect is boring-

-Maybe perfect leaves no room for us to laugh at our silliness-

-Maybe perfect leaves no room for growth-

-Maybe perfect is the enemy of good-

-Maybe perfect is too shiny-and we need a good roll in the dirt once in a while to prove we are alive-

-Maybe perfect doesn't allow God in - the very thing He wants us to consider-

1 John 4:16 And we know (understand, recognize, experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love -dwells and continues in God - and God dwells and continues in him. 

How do we even begin to love God? 

-Read His word. There is no need to go fast. Sometimes simply learning the meaning of one verse or one word is helpful.

-Dig into what you don't understand. Attend a teaching Bible Study or seek an expert in the word. Joyce Meyer is one who has helped me.

-Pray. Prayer does not have to be perfect. God wants you, not a perfect orator. 

-Get with like-minded God-seeking people. They won't be perfect. Neither are we. I think you'll find if you pursue your faith in God, love will follow.

Thinking of others in the smallest way helps us build a purposeful, joy-filled life. 

Some small ways to love others:

-Be the first to say hello- 

-Compliment someone-

-Ask people about themselves- 

-Offer assistance-

-Volunteer-

-Share your things-

-Return your grocery cart-

-Listen-

Test a few of these ideas and others you've identified. You'll be amazed at the response of others - and the change in yourself.

Mark 12: 30-31 (Jesus said) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” 

Self-centered-ness may be an epidemic. 

By loving ourselves, I'm not proposing we always put ourselves first, but I am suggesting we are loved by a Heavenly Father who made us unique - and recognizing we are worthy of love is good.

Self-love is good. And in it, we discover who we are. Our talent. Our purpose. Perhaps the reason we are here.

Sometimes it's a challenge to embrace our uniqueness. Certainly, our childhood into adulthood is filled with notions of what is cool and uncool. And, if our 'talent' does not fit into the 'cool column', well then, maybe we should ignore it.

But ignoring it never quite works. I submit that embracing our talent, our individuality is a gift. A life-giving gift that says: This is me! I love who I am. How freeing.

You do you. Love who God made you to be.    

Galatians 6:4 Each one must carefully scrutinize his own work (examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior), and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. 

The world wants us to 'be kind' - but it says very little about treating an unkind person kindly. 

I suggest we will never 'be the change we want to see in the world' unless we boldly step out and love someone unlovable.

Going beyond our feelings. Deeper. Yes, it involves an uncomfortableness. 

However, I submit remaining comfortable stunts the very growth we are seeking.  

I like to say it this way: 'This is not sandbox living!' 

What?

Imagine playing in the sandbox congenially until a challenger begins tossing sand 

your way. Your automatic response; a handful of flying sand in return. Take that! Because the meanie deserves it! 

Certainly, as adults, we tell ourselves - we would not respond with flying sand! 

However, I submit - could there be times we respond with flying words? No?

Even on the freeway?

This is not sandbox living. 

It's called grace.

Not perfection. Grace. 

And herin lies the message of loving difficult people. Perhaps their life is full of sand-throwers and they just need one person to show them kindness.

Jesus said as much here: Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear Me (and pay attention to My words): Love (that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for) your enemies, (make it a practice to) do good to those who betray you.    

Further, in Colossians 4:5, we're told to treat our time with non-believers as precious: Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with non-believers, make the most of each opportunity (treating your time with them as precious).  

The unwavering word of God puts it this way: 1 Corinthians 13:13, And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

The word 'give' shows up in the Bible at least 900 times. 

This alone should give us pause. Why is it mentioned so often?

Imagine your hand holding tightly to a $50.00 bill with a determination that refuses to release the bill.

Now imagine asking God for blessings. A job. A car. A home. Good health. And all the while you are gripping the bill. Knowing if you let it go, it will be $50.00 less in your possession. And you need that $50.00!

Suppose God is trying to provide a blessing to you. How will you receive it? Your hand is tightly closed. 

I submit a Culture of Give is achieavable by all. 

For Starters, Give: 

Your place in line

A smile

A cup of water

A compliment

Some groceries

Gas money

An inspiring story

A song

New socks

Lunch money

A glass of lemonade

A knock knock joke

A stick of gum

The list is endless if we let it be.  

2 Corinthians 8:7, (Paul writing to the church in Corinth), Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.  

This can be a multitude of things.

Offering a neighbor a ride

Volunteering at a food pantry

Reading to children in the library

Volunteering at your child's school

Helping at a community event

Providing snacks at Church

Helping a neighbor with a task

There are tons of opportunities to volunteer our time.   

Colossians 3:23, Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord.

Everyone is good at something. Whatever your talent is, using it for good will enrich your life!

If you aren't sure what your particular talent is, consider this: 

-What do you really enjoy doing-

-What have people told you you're good at-

-What motivates you-

1 Peter 4:10, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Galatians 6:2, 'Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.'  

Many times, I've heard mention of those not giving to charity because they're not sure where their money is going. 

The point is valid. 

However, I do believe doing your homework and identifying a reputable charity is doable. If you're still not certain, ask a trusted friend or family member to recommend one.

Also, most charities have a charitable tax ID so you can write off any cash donation if you itemize your taxes.  

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 

Take a leap of faith. Give - and it will come back to you!

When we give, we become a glorious version of ourselves.